Microstructure of Al Matrix Composites Strengthened by Combined In-Situ Alloying Elements and In-Situ Alumina Particulate Strengthening

Al₂O₃/Al-Cu and Al₂O₃/Al-Cu-Si composites are fabricated from in-situ reaction Al+CuO and Al+CuO+SiO₂ respectively. SEM observation of the morphologies of the materials, XRD analysis of the phases, and EDS analysis of elements in the phases are performed. Primilinary results show that alloy elements Cu and Si are presented as predicted, as well as fine and homogeneously distributed Al₂O₃ particles formed, which indicate that the newly developed concept is feasible.