Effect of matrix strength on the mechanical properties of Al–Zn–Mg/SiCP composites

Abstract

The mechanical properties of Al–Zn–Mg alloy reinforced with $SiC_P$ composites prepared by solidification route were studied by altering the matrix strength with different heat treatments. With respect to the control alloy, the composites have shown similar ageing behaviour in terms of microhardness data at $135^oC$. It was shown that although composites exhibited enhanced modulus values, the strengthening was found to be dependent on the damage that is occurring during straining. Thus the initial matrix strength plays an important role in determining the strengthening. Consequently, compression data had shown a different trend compared to tension