Superplastic-like behavior in AlMgSi composites reinforced with α-Si3N4 or β-Si3N4 whiskers

Superplastic-like behavior has been investigated for AlMgSi alloy matrix composites reinforced with either α-Si3N4 or β-Si3N4 whiskers. Both composites exhibited large elongations in the high strain rate range near 10−1 s−1. The superplastic potential of the composite reinforced with β-Si3N4 whiskers was superior to that of the composite reinforced with α-Si3N4 whiskers.