Abstract
Aluminum matrix composites usually contain strengthening particles of refractory compounds (SiC, Al2O3) that do not react with the Al matrix. There is a problem in producing the Al matrix composite with inclusion of metals that can generate intermetallic compounds with aluminum. In this case, a conventional sintering of powder mixtures results in high porosity due to volume growth. That is why some new methods of producing dense Al matrix composites are required. A possibility to create a dense powder Al-based composite containing hard components, such as chromium and silicon, without using the sintering process, is considered. This paper presents study results of structural and mechanical properties of Al-Cr and Al-Cr-Si composites produced by hot compaction of powder mixtures. An analysis of the relationship between mechanical properties and structures of Al-Cr and Al-Cr-Si composites is carried out. Optimal values for thermomechanical processing modes that ensure sufficient strength and plasticity are determined. It is shown that strong bonding of the aluminum particles occurs under hot deformation, and an aluminum matrix is formed that provides acceptable composite bending strength as a result. The presence of chromium and silicon hard inclusions is not a significant obstacle for aluminum plastic flow. Al-Cr and Al-Cr-Si composites produced by hot deformation of the powder mixtures can be used as cathode material for the deposition of wear-resistant nitride coatings on metalworking tools.
Highlights
Composite powder materials attract great interest due to their unique properties resulting from the synergistic effect of combining properties of structural elements
The study of aluminum matrix composites with hard inclusions is of particular interest, since the production of such composites is associated with numerous problems [8,9]
Since the main function of the cathode is to be a source of various elements in the multicomponent plasma, the presence of intermetallic compounds in the cathode material is a rather negative factor that can affect the functional properties of the cathode material
Summary
Composite powder materials attract great interest due to their unique properties resulting from the synergistic effect of combining properties of structural elements. Hot consolidation of powder mixtures containing aluminum at temperatures below the beginning of active diffusion interaction of aluminum and chromium is one more promising method for the production of powder cathode material [20]. Such diffusion interaction leads to the brittle intermetallic compound’s formation. Study results can clarify whether it is possible to produce Al-based composite materials with hard particle inclusions by hot-compacting powder mixtures. This paper presents the results of the study of structure, mechanical properties and fracture characteristics of composites produced by hot compaction of powder mixtures of Al-Cr and Al-Cr-Si compositions, when the temperature and hot deformation degree of compacts are varied. The experimental results make it possible to optimize the modes of hotcompacting Al-Cr and Al-Cr-Si powder mixtures to produce dense and sufficiently strong cathodes for vacuum arc evaporation and magnetron sputtering of wear-resistant coatings
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