Mechanically alloyed aluminum metal matrix composites

Aluminum alloys reinforced with ceramic particles produce a low density metal matrix composite (MMC) with enhanced mechanical and physical properties including relatively high modulus and vibration loss. This paper will outline the capability through Powder Metallurgy processing techniques made by mechanical alloying (MA). MA enables production of MMC’s with micron to submicron mean particulate reinforcement size which increases mechanical properties in comparison to larger reinforcement particle size. Smaller reinforcement particles also result in a material that fits well within established value streams enabling conventional post consolidation metalworking and machining methods. The microstructure and properties of MMC’s mechanical alloyed with base aluminum alloys 6061B and 2124A will be presented.