Mechanical Behavior of Al-Al<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> MMC Manufactured by PM Techniques Part I—Scheme I Processing Parameters

Advance on Al2O3Particulates Reinforced Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (Al-MMCs) Manufactured by the Power Metallurgy(PM) Methods- Improved PM Techniques

“…Although all relative processes in conventional PM techniques including the mixing process, sintering process, annealing process are necessary steps to form the consolidated composite material, some complementary processes, such as powder extrusion, forging, hot-rolling, and so on, can help to optimize the microstructure and mechanical properties [13][14][15].…”

“…The powder extrusion was often adopted in PM technology to help to optimize the reinforcement distribution [13][14][15]24,32], and to improve the properties [33], although the typical lamellarity is often revealed in the longitudinal section in extruded materials [24]. Another advantage of extrusion process is the possibility of making extruded composite products with high dimensional accuracy.…”

“…Strong microstructure in Al-MMCs by disrupting the oxide and hydroxide layers coating Al powder particles was achieved by compaction stress of 74 MPa and hot pressing at temperature of 450qC applied for 4 h, followed by hot extrusion [13]. Al 2 O 3 particles were observed to be uniformly distributed throughout the microstructure except for some [19] also studied roles of the extrusion on the composite with fine-Al powders and its native Al 2 O 3 skin.…”

“…The outstanding characteristics of the PM method is the lower processing temperature and more effective in terms of particle distribution, than the casting methods in which the melting temperature always are demanded. Another advantage of the PM technique is its ability to manufacture near net shape products at low cost [12][13]. Moreover, it is possible to achieve composite materials production with wide range addition of reinforcement particles by the PM method, and even to obtain production which cannot be obtained by any other alternative method [6].…”

“…There are many factors affecting the properties of Al-MMCs, such as the particle content and size, particle size distribution of Al 2 O 3 powders, dispersion of reinforcement particles in the matrix, the mixing procedures, compaction types and pressure, sintering methods and process parameters [13]. However, the properties and the basic characteristics of composites are thought to be controlled by the mixing methods and sintering process.…”