Tensile fracture behavior of spray-deposited SiCP/Al–Fe–V–Si composite sheet

Abstract

SiCP/Al–Fe–V–Si (Al–Fe–V–Si reinforced with SiC particles) composite prepared by spray deposition was densified by hot pressing and then rolled into sheets. Microstructure of the composite was observed, and fracture properties and fractographies of the composite at different tensile temperatures were investigated. The results show that uniform distribution of SiC particles and strong bonding between the particles and the matrix are obtained by rolling after hot pressing. It is found that fracture properties and fractographies of the composite are affected by the distribution and orientation of SiC particles. The composite is characterized by the fractographies of the composite varying with the elevation of temperature. Cracking of SiC particles is the dominant rupture mode because of the strong interface bonding with the tensile temperature below 300 °C. Debonding at SiC/Al matrix interfaces becomes the dominant rupture mode with tensile temperature above 300 °C, particles breakage reduces sharply as the tensile temperature is elevated, while tensile strength and elongation of the composite decreases rapidly as the tensile temperature increases.