Federal State Unitary Enterprise All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials State Research Center of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia:

E. I. Kurbatkina, Head of the Laboratory, e-mail: elena.kurbatkina@mail.ru
D. V. Kosolapov, Head of the Sector
A. V. Gololobov, Engineer
A. A. Shavnev, Head of the Research Department

In the present study, using metal powder metallurgy methods — mechanical alloying with subsequent extrusion, metal matrix composite material Al – Zn – Mg – Cu/10% SiC was obtained. The phase transformations during heat treatment, as well as the mechanical properties of the material were studied. It is shown that mechanical alloying ensures a uniform distribution of reinforcing silicon carbide particles in an aluminum matrix and extrusion raito 20:1 makes it possible to obtain a monolithic material. After deformation in the structure of the composite material aluminum solid solution, MgZn₂, SiC, and intermetallic particles rich in Mg and Cu were detected. DSC analysis showed the presence of endothermic phase transformations at a temperature of 472 ^оC. The results of XRD and TEM showed that when the composite material is heated for quenching, the MgZn₂ phase and intermetallic compounds are completely dissolved. The structure of the sample after aging at 120 ^оC for 24 hours is basically similar to the sample after extrusion. However, aging leads to the formation of larger intermetallic compounds at the interface and the formation of a metastable η'-phase (MgZn2) as a result of the decomposition of the solid solution. The η'-phase has the form of rods located in mutually perpendicular directions <100> Al. In general, the study of the structure of the composite material showed that the same phase transformations are typical for a composite material as for a matrix alloy. The addition of silicon carbide particles does not affect the temperature intervals of heat treatment. Interaction between the matrix alloy and the reinforcing component was not revealed. The tensile tests of the composite material showed that the addition of silicon carbide increases the strength of MMC by 15% compared to the matrix alloy, however, the maximum strength properties material reaches after quenching and aging. The tensile strength of MMC Al – Zn – Mg – Cu/10% SiC is 630 MPa.
This work was carried out with the financial support of the Russian Science Foundation, Agreement No. 17-73-10328.

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