Mechanical properties of Al–Fe–Cr aluminum matrix composites in the temperature range 77–573 K.

The mechanical behavior of Al–Fe–Cr aluminum matrix composites strengthened by nanoquasicrystalline and/or crystalline phases was studied in the temperature range of 77–573 K. The strength characteristics and elongation to fracture during tensile tests of Al₉₄Fe_2.5Сr_2.5Ti₁, Al₉₄Fe₂Cr₂Ti₂, Al₉₄Fe_2.5Сr_2.5Ti_0.7Zr_0.3 alloys were determined. It was established that the Al₉₄Fe₂Cr₂Ti₂ composite alloy has the highest strength (σ_b ≥ 3.87 GPa) among wrought aluminum alloys with satisfactory plasticity (elongation to fracture δ ≥ 5% at 293 K) at the temperature of 573 K. Tribological tests have shown that the wear resistance of Al–Fe–Cr aluminum matrix composites is significantly higher in the case of lubrication than when dry friction occurs. In lubrication, the friction force is almost 5 times less as well. The Al₉₄Fe₂Cr₂Ti₂ composite is optimal by the combination of mechanical and tribological properties among the studied alloys due to the strengthening of the aluminum matrix by nanoparticles with both crystalline and quasicrystalline structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]