Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu matrix composites reinforced with AINp. processed by extrusion of powders

This article presents an experimental investigation on the structure and mechanical properties of an Al-Mg-Si-Cu P/M alloy reinforced with 5%, 10% and 15% aluminum nitride, produced by extrusion of cold compacted powders mixtures. Mechanical properties in as extruded and T6 conditions are compared. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dilatometric analysis were conducted to gain further insight into the precipitation process of these materials. Low cost 6061 Al/AINp composites can be produced with rate and small porosity by extrusion of cold compacted shapes without canning. The mechanical properties of the MMCs obtained by this process have limitations for high particles fractions because of clustering effects. All materials are always harder than the matrix and shows a similar behavior during aging processes but kinetics is changed. Potential applications of dilatometric techniques in the aging investigations of aluminum alloys and aluminum matrix composites have been established. (Author) 23 refs