Title: Mechanical properties of individual phases, deformation and fracture in mechanically alloyed Al-Al₄C₃ composite

Authors: Michal Besterci, Oksana Velgosova, Ladislav Pesek

Addresses: Institute of Materials Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Watsonova 47, 043 53 Kosice, Slovak Republic. ' Faculty of Metallurgy, Department of Non-ferrous Materials and Waste Treatment, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9/A, 04200 Kosice, Slovak Republic. ' Faculty of Metallurgy, Department of Materials Science, Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, 042 00 Kosice, Slovak Republic

Abstract: Using a Depth Sensing Indentation technique (DSI), the Martens hardness HM, indentation modulus EIT and deformation work W for Al matrix and Al₄C₃ particles have been measured. It has been shown that the hardness of Al₄C₃ particles is 5–7 times higher than the hardness of matrix. The change in fracture for the Al-12Al₄C₃ system was investigated and analysed at different temperatures and strain rates. With increasing tensile load, local cracks are formed by rupture of large particles and by decohesion of smaller particles from the matrix. Further increase of load leads to the crack growth by coalescence of cavities.

Keywords: dispersion strengthened materials; mechanical alloying; mechanical properties; phases fracture mechanism; SEM analysis; depth sensing indentation; deformation; hardness; tensile load; local cracks; crack growth; cavities; metal powders; powder metallurgy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2007.013089

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2007 Vol.28 No.3/4, pp.448 - 467

Published online: 07 Apr 2007 *

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