A study of interparticulate strain in a hot-extruded SiC_p/2014 Al composite

Abstract

We report a correlative study of strain distribution and grain structure in the Al matrix of a hot-extruded SiC particulate-reinforced Al composite (SiC_p/2014 A1). Finite element method (FEM) simulation and microstructure characterization indicate that the grain structure of the Al matrix is affected by the interparticulate strain distribution in the matrix during the process. Both electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) indicated localized misorientation in the Al matrix after hot extrusion. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) revealed fine and recrystallized grains adjacent to the SiC particulate and elongated grains between the particulates. This result is explained in terms of recrystallization under an interparticulate strain distribution during the hot extrusion process.

Keywords

metal-matrix composites / strain distribution / recrystallization / grain structure

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