Enhancing Toughness of Particulate Aluminum Composites Via Tailoring Inhomogeneous Particle Distribution

Abstract

It is found that thin network layer and large enough alloy cells are favorable for the toughness of inhomogeneous network metal-matrix composites (MMCs). The thin network layers contribute to the high modulus and strength, while large alloy cells work in deflecting crack propagation and thus the toughness. Furthermore, mutually coordinating and restricted deformation behaviors of alloy cells may create a three-dimensional tensile stress state, which induces the anomalous brittle fracture of intrinsically ductile aluminum matrix in some alloy cells. These phenomena weaken matrix alloy plastic deformation capacity and restraint crack propagation and toughness of network composites.