FRACTURE-TOUGHNESS BEHAVIOR OF A MAGNESIUM ALLOY METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITE PRODUCED BY THE INFILTRATION TECHNIQUE

Metal-matrix composites comprising short delta-alumina fibres embedded in an Mg 10Al0.4Zn alloy were produced by the squeeze infiltration process, with a fibre volume fraction of 20%. Tensile, hardness and fracture toughness tests were performed at room temperature on both the alloy matrix and the composite in the as-cast as well as in the T6 heat-treated condition. In the as-cast condition it was found that the composite had a markedly increased stiffness, tensile strength and hardness but slightly lower ductility and fracture toughness than the alloy matrix. Whilst a T6 heat treatment improved the mechanical properties of the magnesium alloy matrix, it adversely affected the tensile properties and fracture toughness of the composite.