The formability of the Al-5%SiC composite obtained using P/M method

Composite materials are widely used as constructive ones. Their reinforcement by particles of a hard phase that does not enter into reaction with the matrix is aimed to increase the strength properties. The experiments concerning the formability of Al-5%SiC composite obtained from the RA1-1 aluminum powder and SiC 1000 silicon carbide powder are presented in the paper. The composite was obtained by hot preform forming in the closed-die and then annealing at the temperature 540 degrees C over 1 h. The investigation of formability was curried out on the servohydraulic WPM press with the strain rate phi over dot(h)=0.01;1;10 S' and logarithmic strain (phi(h)=0.2;0.4;1.0. As a result, the relationships between the now stress, strain rate and the reduction ratio were obtained The results were used for the simulation of upsetting by the program CAPS-Finel obtaining a good coincidence with the experimental data. The phenomenon on the border matrix-hard particle was carried out from the metallographical investigations. Al-5%SiC composite material obtained fi-om aluminum and silicon carbide powders shows good formability. Breaking the cohesion of this material takes place at the logarithmic strain of about 1.