Effect of Heat Treatment on Strength of Aluminium Matrix Composites

Abstract

This work is an attempt to study heat treatment's influence of metal matrix on the strength of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs). The most desirous choice for the matrix material in case of MMCs are aluminium and its alloys. Specifically, aluminium alloys of 6000 and 7000 series are high strength alloys. These are to be reinforced with aluminium oxide powders, which typically is a ceramic. These reinforcements are to be held in the matrix as particulates imparting certain directional properties. Thereby, this composite is to be taken for heat treatment to find its effect on the strength of the composite. Two different heat treatments have been selected - quenching and precipitation hardening. The effect of these two heat treatments on strength of the metal matrix composite is determined and variations, if any, are identified. The effect of heat treatment on the hardness has also been discussed. It is evident from the result that heat treatment improves the tensile, compression and hardness properties.