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Extruded Saffil-containing metal matrix composite

DoITPoMS, University of Cambridge

 

Commercial purity aluminium has atomised, mixed with short, 3 micron 'Saffil' alumina fibres, ball milled, tumbled, cold compacted (20MPa) and then extruded. The fibres are well distributed and generally lie parallel to the extrusion direction (horizontal).

 

System

Al

 

Composition

Commercial purity (99.5%)

 

Reaction

N/A

 

Processing

Commercial purity (99.5%) aluminium has been atomised, thoroughly mixed with alumina reinforcement fibres and then extruded.

 

Applications

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer high specific stiffness which can be retained to high temperatures. This makes them suitable for applications in the aerospace industry. They also offer controlled (or zero) thermal expansion coefficients, good wear resistance and good impact properties.

 

Sample preparation

The sample has been oxidised to provide colour contrast for different grain orientations.

 

Technique

Reflected light microscopy, polarised

 

Contributor

Prof T W Clyne

 

Organisation

Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

 

View micrograph in DoITPoMS website

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Uploaded on August 20, 2009
Taken on October 3, 2002