Inclusion particle size effects on the cyclic compaction of powder composites

Three kinds of inclusion particles were mixed into same matrix powder to investigate the influence of relative inclusion particle size on the consolidation of Al-Al2O3 under both monotonic and cyclic loading. Following results were obtained: Compacts containing smaller Al2O3 particles have lower density under monotonic pressure over the full range of compaction pressures; powder composites compacts have the greatest density increase with increasing numbers of pressure cycles when matrix and inclusion particle sizes are similar; and the inclusion particle size effects can be understood by the particle contacts.