Effect of Hot Extrusion on the Mechanical Properties of 6061 Aluminum Alloy composites Reinforced with SiC whisker

SiC휘스커로 강화한 6061 Al합금 복합재료의 기계적 특성에 미치는 열간압출의 영향

Both cast and extruded composites of SiC whisker reinforced 6061 Al alloy matrix were fabricated by high pressure infiltration of the alloy melt into the SiC preform and subsequent hot extrusion of the composite ingots. The micro structures, age hardening behavior and mechanical properties have been examined on the both cast and extruded composites of SiCw/6061. The cast composites of SiCw/6061 were obtained in which SiC whiskers were randomly oriented. Hot extrusion of these cast composites lead to alignment of the whisker in the direction of extrusion. Strengthening effect of whisker in the extruded composites is lower than that of the cast composites. The cast composites of SiCw/6061 showed higher thensile strength and lower elongation than extruded composites of SiCw/6061 at all testing temperatures. Lower tensile strength and higher elongation of the extruded composites were attributable to fine grain structures in which grain boundary sliding occruued preferentially at elevated temperatures.