Processing and mechanical properties of novel Al-W composites with ordered mesostructure

Novel high-density aluminum (Al)-tungsten (W) fiber composites in the tubular shape with highly ordered tungsten fibers in axial and hoop directions were processed in the solid state using the combination of cold isostatic pressing and hot isostatic pressing. Half of the specimens were additionally heat treated after hot isostatic pressing to regain the properties of aluminum 6061-T6. The strength of both types of samples was investigated under quasistatic compression. Samples after additional heat treatment had the higher microhardness of matrix and compressive strength. No significant reaction between tungsten fibers and aluminum matrix was detected. The micromechanism of samples failure under compression was revealed by removing the aluminum matrix after tests with acid-etching demonstrating that tungsten fibers oriented in the axial direction were deformed by microbuckling and kinking. The sample bulging due to plastic flow of aluminum matrix resulted in the cooperative fracture of tungsten fibers in ...