Mechanical Response and Microstructure of Al-SiO<sub>2</sub> Composites Prepared by Means of a Solid-State Route

Abstract

This study deals with the production of some Al-SiO2composites and the evaluation of milling intensity over the distribution of silica particles into the Al matrix. Samples for mechanical characterization were prepared from powders by compaction and sintering using a solid-state route complemented with mechanical milling. The mechanical response was modified as a direct function of the milling intensity, but an adverse effect was observed with prolonged milling times. Electron microscopy studies reveal a homogeneous dispersion of insoluble particles into the Al matrix, which is associated with the high grain refinement in the synthetized composites giving an important improvement on the composites strength. Also, the silica spheroidal structure is not altered nor destroyed (mechanically and/or chemically) during the composite synthesis.