Abstract:Tensile tests and fracture surface observations on the SiCp/2024Al composites fabricated by powder metallurgy technigue were carried out. It is indicated that the SiC particulate size and content have a small effect on the strength of the as-extruded composites. After the T6-treatment, the effect increases obviously, and the strength of the composites increases obviously with decreasing SiC particulate size and increasing SiC particulate content. T6-treatment has no obvious effect on the fracture surface of small particulate composites. For the large particulate composites, the fractured SiC particulates on the fracture surfaces increase after T6-treatment. The experimental results were accounted for by the microstructural characteristics and strengthening mechanism of the composites.

Key words: composite; particulate; aluminum; T6-treatment; strength