Technology for Producing a Promising Aluminum-Matrix Composite Material with Discrete Al2O3 Fibers

Abstract

The choice of the composition of the components of a composite material that determines its prospects and demand has been substantiated. Liquid-phase combination is used to fabricate billets of an aluminum-matrix composite material of a new composition. The technological problems of introducing discrete Al2O3 nanofibers into an aluminum matrix are solved. A copper powder is used to overcome surface tension forces and to ensure a uniform reinforcing component distribution. When the components of the composite material are prepared, the reinforcing phase consisting of a transport powder and nanofibers is ground and the resulting conglomerate is introduced into a melt to form a composite material. The hardness of the reinforced specimens is higher than the hardness of the matrix, and sufficient uniformity of the hardness distribution over the cross section demonstrates the uniformity of introduced component distribution. An analysis of the fracture of specimens demonstrates a clear predominance of plastic deformation for the initial matrix alloy and an embrittlement effect in the case of reinforcement. Structural studies on a macrolevel show the signs characteristic of brittle fracture, and scanning electron microscopy (Tescan Vega IILMH microscope) studies demonstrate signs of ductile fracture. The fabrication of high-quality specimens and the results of studying the structure and properties confirm the efficiency of the technology developed for the introduction of fillers.