An analysis of high-temperature behavior of AA2124/SiC whisker composites

AA2124/SiC whisker composites were received from a commercial source in the hot-rolled and extruded condition. Tensile and shear tests were carried out on these materials at various temperatures to develop a better understanding of the failure mechanisms involved at high temperatures. It was discovered that the loss in strength of aluminum composites with increasing temperature was mainly caused by a decrease in matrix shear strength. Precipitation kinetics contribute to this loss in shear strength through the re-solution of precipitates at higher temperatures. This information is necessary in the development of aluminum base composites with high-temperature capabilities.