Compressive Behavior of 7xxx Series Al Composites Reinforced with $Al_2O_3$

Mechanical properties of 7xxx series Al metal matrix composite (MMC) powders containing different amounts of ceramic were investigated. The ceramic contents of the starting powders were 5 wt.% or 10 wt.%. The powders were uniaxially cold compacted using a cylindrical die with a compacting pressure of 250 MPa and were sintered at $620^{\circ}C$ in a dry $N_2$ atmosphere for 60 min. For the heat treatment, sintered parts were solution treated at $475^{\circ}C$ and aged at $175^{\circ}C$. Compression tests were conducted to reveal the effect of $Al_2O_3$ particle content on the mechanical properties of the composites. Fractography was examined using a scanning electron microscope.