Tensile behaviour at room and high temperatures of novel metal matrix composites based on hypereutectic Al-Si alloys

Abstract

This work shows the improvement obtained on tensile stress at room and high temperatures of hypereutectic Al-Si alloys. These alloys are produced by a combination of spray-forming, extrusión and thixoforming process, in comparison with conventional casting alloys. Al-25%Si-5%Cu, Al- 25%Si-5%Cu-2%Mg and Al-30%Si-5%Cu alloys have been studied relating their microstructural parameters with tensile stress obtained and comparing them with conventional Al-20%Si, Al-36%Si and Al-50%Si alloys. Al-25%Si-5%Cu alloy was tested before and after semi-solid forming, in order to distinguish the different behaviour of this alloy due to the different microstructure. The properties obtained with these alloys were also related to Al-SiC composites formed by similar processes.