Microstructure and properties of Al-based metal matrix composites reinforced by Al60Cu20Ti15Zr5 glassy particles by high pressure hot pressing consolidation

In order to obtain highly dense metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced by glassy particles without crystallization, an Al-based MMC with pure Al powders reinforced with different amounts of ball milled Al60Cu20Ti15Zr5 glassy powders were produced by hot press at the temperatures within the supercooled liquid region under a high pressure of 5 GPa. The microstructures of the MMCs were investigated and the mechanical properties were evaluated by room temperature compression tests. It is found that the consolidation temperature and the Al content have a significant influence on the consolidation quality of the composites, and the high pressure can suppress the crystallization of the glassy particles during the consolidation. The densification is 91% and 96% for the composites containing 40 vol% Al and 60 vol% Al consolidated at 390 degrees C, respectively. The composites containing 40 vol% Al and 60 vol% Al consolidated at 390 degrees C exhibit the ultimate strength of 353 and 281 MPa, respectively. Moreover, the composites containing 60 vol% Al display a good plasticity at room temperature. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.