Whiskers of Al2O3 as reinforcement of a powder metallurgical 6061 aluminium matrix composite

An Al-Mg-Si alloy matrix composite reinforced with 10 vol.% of alumina whiskers (Al(2)O(3)w) has been processed by powder metallurgy and investigated. The Al(2)O(3)w were produced as single crystal c-axis alpha-alumina fibres at pre-pilot scale via vapour-liquid-solid (VLS) deposition in a cold-wall air-tight furnace with alumina linings. As far as we know, this is the first report of the utilization of whiskers of Al2O3 as reinforcing elements for Al alloys. Tensile tests have been performed on the composite at room and high temperatures. Results show that the AA6061 alloy reinforced with the as-produced Al2O3 whiskers has remarkably high mechanical properties at room temperature. This is attributed to the high quality of the Al2O3 single crystals and to the strong bonding attained between them and the 6061 alloy matrix. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.