Fabrication of Al2O3 continuous fibre reinforced Al-Cu alloys by axial infiltration process

This paper describes the fabrication of Al2O3 continuous fibre reinforced Al-Cu alloys by an axial infiltration process which is expected to be used in the production of stick, bar, or platelike composites. A discussion on the infiltrating process gave equations for the critical infiltration pressure and the size of composite defects. Microscopic observations and microprobe analyses on Al-4.43 Cu, Al-6.48 Cu, Al-10.11 Cu, and Al-4.45 Cu-1.54 Mg (wt-%) matrix composites identified the solidification process of matrix alloys in the presence of Al2O3 fibres. The approximate relationships between microstructure, interspace size, and the matrix composition are described schematically. Microsegregation of Cu and Mg in the composites are also analysed quantitatively.