Fracture Behaviour of Alumina Reinforced Metal Matrix.

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are used in aerospace, automotive and other structural applications; hence study on its fracture behaviour is necessary. Different vol.% of particulate alumina reinforced aluminium alloy (Al 6061) are produced by powder metallurgy method. The MMCs were subjected to compression deformation test and microstructure analysis before and after test was performed under scanning electron microscopy. It is observed that the samll particles measuring below 5 ¿m in size exhibited strong interfacial bonding with the matrix. The particles below 20 ¿m to 5 ¿m in size have shown fracture and debonding at interface. The large particles larger than 20 ¿m in size have revealed severe fractures and particles pull-out. Intergranular microcracks were observed propagated through and ended at the edge of the small cluster. Intergranular microcracks were only observed at the edge of the large clusters. The analysis should help on the development of knowledge especially to new researchers who may be interested on metal composites field.

Master in Mechanical Engineering from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Lecturer at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.