Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of SiC Fiber-reinforced Metal Matrix Composites Made Using Ultrasonic Consolidation

Ultrasonic consolidation was used for making SiC fiber-reinforced Al 3003 matrix composites. Peel tests, tensile tests, and bend tests were carried out on the composite specimens as well as on ultrasonically consolidated Al 3003 specimens containing no SiC fibers. The objective of this study was to examine whether the ultrasonically embedded SiC fibers serve as effective reinforcements or not. Incorporation of SiC fibers resulted in a considerable improvement in peel strength and tensile strength of ultrasonically consolidated parts. However, bend tests revealed some deterioration in the shear strength of the parts due to the presence of fibers. The results of mechanical testing are discussed based on microstructural and fractographic studies.