The Effect of Particle Alignment on the Tensile Behaviors of Extruded Al2O3/2124 Aluminum Alloy Metal Matrix Composites

Preferred alignment of reinforcement particles was observed in the extruded composites. This preferential alignment of particles was found to affect the mechanical behavior of the composite strongly. Microstructure characterization showed a preferred alignment of the reinforcement particles parallel to the extrusion axis, although the degree of alignment decreased with increasing reinforcement volume fraction. Young's modulus and tensile strength parallel to the extrusion axis were higher than that perpendicular to the extrusion axis.