EFFECT OF INTERFACIAL PRECIPITATION ON PROPERTIES OF SiC WHISKER REINFORCED Al ALLOY COMPOSITES

Tensile tests and fractograph of SiC whisker reinforced 2124Al and 2024Al composites, fabricated by powder metallurgy, were carried out. The chain-like discontinuous θ(Al_2Cu) precipitates and transitionary layer between SiC whisker and precipitates are re- vealed to distribute on the interfaces. These precipitates may decrease strengthening effect of SiC whisker and ductility of the composite as whole.