Abstract
Effects of liquid phase and reinforcing particle morphology on the sintering of Al-6 wt％Cu-10 vol％ $Al_2O_3$ or SiC particles were studied in regards to densification, structure and transverse rupture properties. The Al-Cu liquid phase penetrated the boundaries between the aluminum matrix powders and the interfaces with reinforcing particles as well, indicating a good wettability to the powders. This enhanced the densification during sintering and the resulting strength and ductility. Since most of the copper added, however, was dissolved in the liquid phase and formed a brittle $CuAl_2$ phase upon cooling rather than alloyed with the aluminum matrix, the strengthening effect by the copper was not fully realized. Reinforcing particles of agglomerate type were found less suitable for the liquid phase sintering than solid type particles. $Al_2O_3$ and SiC particles protluced little difference on the sintering behavior but their size had a large effect. Repressing of the sintered composites increased density and bending properties but caused debonding at the matrix-particle interfaces and also fracturing of the particles.
