EFFECT OF POWDER METALLURGY PROCESSES BY HIGH ENERGY BALL MILLING ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF 15%SiC_p/2009Al COMPOSITE

A 15%SiC_p/2009Al composite was fabricated by high energy milling powder metallurgy (PM) technique. The effect of velocity and time of milling as well as PM procedure on mechanical properties of the composite was investigated. The results indicate that three procedure factors are important for properties of the composite. Long duration at high speed of milling contributes to a uniform distribution of SiC particles. Compression at high temperature and vacuum can improve bonding among powder and particle, and lead to high properties. The milled powder fabricated at velocity of 190 r/min and 6 h was compacted and extruded into the composite with uniform distribution of SiC particles, and with 650 MPa of tensile strength and exceeded 5% of elongation.