Effect of precipitation on the bulk hardness and the ultimate tensile strength of a 6061/SiC composite

Abstract

In the present study, 6061/SiC composite synthesized using the liquid metallurgy route was heat treated using four different heat treatment cycles. The heat treatment cycles were selected so as to change characteristics and the extent of precipitation in the metallic matrix. Superficial Rockwell hardness measurements and tensile testing conducted on all the four sets of differently heat treated samples revealed a linear correlationship. The results were rationalized placing particular emphasis on the microstructural events associated with the motion of dislocations and the magnitude of the resistance to the motion of dislocations under variably precipitation hardened composite matrix.