Effetto della forgiatura sulla microstruttura e sul comportamento a trazione del composito AA2618-Al2O3p

Effect of forging on microstructure and tensile properties of an alumina particulate reinforced AA2618 composite was investigated. The unreinforced AA2618 was forged using a hydraulic press and then heat treated at T6. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy and microhardness measurements were carried out for the microstructural characterization of the sample. The composite showed a coarse grained matrix with an inhomogeneous distribution of the ceramic particles. A grain refinement and a uniform distribution of the reinforcement were observed in the composite after the forging process. Higher tensile strength and improved ductility were observed in the forged samples