Processing of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu/SiC composite prepared by mechanical alloying

Abstract

Abstract In the present work, using powder metallurgy method, mechanical alloying and extrusion, the metal matrix composite material Al–Zn–Mg–Cu/10% SiC was obtained. Phase transformations occurring during heat treatment were studied. After deformation aluminum solid solution, MgZn2 and SiC are present in the composite material. The X-ray phase analysis and TEM results showed that when the composite material is heated for quenching, the MgZn2 phase is completely dissolved. Study of the aging kinetics showed that the peak of aging of the composite material was achieved in 15 h, which is much faster than in the matrix alloy (24 h). After aging, the solid solution decomposition products appear in the form of a metastable η'- phase (MgZn2), looking like rods located in three mutually perpendicular directions <100> Al.