SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, 2020, Florida, United States Of America, 14 - 17 September 2020, pp.73-80
The present work, reviews the toughening mechanisms and microstructural analyses of recycled aluminium matrix composites reinforced with γ-alumina and pure recycled copper. This composite was manufactured by sintering and sinter + forging called the combined process. Static compression, 3-point bending, impact (drop-weight) tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical response of the composites. Additionally, wear and creep tests were carried out with a nanoindenter to evaluate wear and time dependent behaviour of this composite. Detailed analyses of microstructure of the composites was performed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) supported by EDS analyses. The results showed that, the composites have homogeneous structure without porosity and very homogeneous distribution of fine γ-alumina (Al2O3) and copper particles. Sinter + forging process yielded a material that had higher strength, hardness and better resistance to wear. This composite will be targeted for linkage applications where high toughness and high surface damage resistance is required.