Structure and tensile fracture mechanism of aluminum matrix composites produced by internal oxidation

This article presents experimental results of resistance against fracture upon static tension of cast aluminum matrix composites based on aluminum with various content of Al₂O₃ strengthening phase. The cast aluminum matrix composite materials were produced by the technology based on burnout of aluminum melt upon interaction with oxygen. Two batches of ingots with various content of solid phase were smelted for tests of static strength. The average particle size of strengthening phase of predominantly prismatic morphology was 60–80 μm, and their content varied from 15 to 25 %. The fracture surfaces obtained upon static uniaxial tension of the considered samples were studied on the samples destroyed at maximum stress. The fracture surfaces were analyzed using an optical microscope with expanded options due to improved long-focus system and digital processing of images based on unique procedure of 3D structure analysis. For indepth analysis of characteristic fracture region a scanning electron microscope was used equipped with energy and wavelength dispersive elemental analyzers. It was established in the studies that in the samples with lower content of dispersed phase, the fracture is characterized by mixed heterogeneous in terms of macrogeometry pattern. This can be interpreted as dry fibrous fracture with visible crystalline pimples and breakaways. With an increase in the solid phase, a mixed, sufficiently homogenous in terms of macrogeometry, fracture pattern of fanlike fibrous structure can be observed. Crystalline pimples were also detected of a different fracture surface area, as well as breakaways of other geometrical sizes. The features of changes in the relief of fracture surface and the fracture mechanisms of the obtained composites have been detected and described.

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