Structural, mechanical and thermal characteristics of Al-Cu-Li particle reinforced Al-matrix composites synthesized by microwave sintering and hot extrusion

In this study, Al-Cu-Li (5, 10 and 15 vol%) alloy particles reinforced Aluminum matrix composites were synthesized by powder metallurgy route incorporating microwave sintering and hot extrusion processes. The effects of novel Al based alloy reinforcement on the microstructure, mechanical and thermal characteristics of the Al/ Al-Cu-Li composites were investigated. Uniformly distributed Al-Cu-Li alloy particles were observed in the microstructure of the composites. The synthesized materials were characterized for microhardness, co-efficient of thermal expansion, tensile and compressive properties. The results reveal that, hardness, Young's modulus, ultimate compression strength, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of Al/15Al-Cu-Li composite improved by 186%, 53%, 42%, 47%, 41%, and 48%, respectively in comparison to pure Al. This increase in strength and hardness values is attributed to the distribution of hard and brittle aluminum-based alloy phases in the ductile Al matrix. Furthermore, coefficient of thermal expansion of composites revealed the better thermal stability behavior for Al/15Al-Cu-Li composite compared to pure Al. The results of the present study suggest that the Al/15Al-Cu-Li composite is a very promising candidate for aerospace applications, which are extremely demanding in terms of both comprehensive mechanical properties and lightweight.