High Strength Boron and Borsic® Fiber Reinforced Aluminum Composites

Abstract

Aluminum alloy matrix composites reinforced with 5.6 mil boron and 5.7 mil BORSIC have been fabricated and tested in axial and transverse tendon. Tensile performance was determined as a function of matrix composition, volume fraction fiber, test temperature, and heat treatment. Matrices of 2024, 6061, 5052/5056 and 1100 aluminum have been used and it has been shown that transverse tensile properties are strongly dependent on matrix alloy composition, heat treatment, and composite fracture mode. Axial composite performance was also found to depend on matrix heat treatment, however, axial composite tensile strength is determined primarily by fiber volume fraction and fiber effective strength. The relationship between axial composite strength and fiber bundle strength has been examined.