The improved mechanical properties of Al matrix composites reinforced with oriented β-Si3N4 whisker

Abstract

The β-Si3N4 whiskers (β-Si3N4w) reinforced Al matrix composites were first fabricated by hot pressing, then treated through hot extrusion. The microstructure characterization demonstrated the preferred orientations of both β-Si3N4w and Al grains in the as-extruded composites. It indicated that β-Si3N4w were aligned along the extrusion direction and Al grains exhibited a distinct <111>Al texture. The interface between β-Si3N4w and Al was in a good bonding status without voids and reaction products. Effects of extrusion process on the mechanical properties of composites were also investigated. The results indicated the extrusion process had a prominent strengthening effect on the mechanical properties of composites. The maximum yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of composites reached up to 170 and 289 MPa, respectively, accompanied by a 12.3% elongation at fracture when the whisker fraction was 15 vol.%. This improvement was collectively attributed to the densification of composites, the strong interface, and the preferred orientation inside composites. The yield strength of the composites reinforced with 5 vol.% β-Si3N4w corresponded well with the theoretical value from different strengthening mechanisms.