Structure and thermophysical properties of aluminum-matrix composites

The microstructure and thermophysical properties of aluminum-matrix composites have been studied, in which a granulated Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy has been used as the matrix, and SiC particles taken in the amounts of 10, 20, and 30 vol % have bee used as the filler. It has been shown that, with an increase in the amount of the filler, the temperatures of the solidus and liquidus of the composites and the values of the thermal expansion coefficient and density increase, whereas the heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity decrease. The heat capacity of the composite depends on the amount of the filler: upon heating from 25 to 500°С, the heat capacity of the composite with 10 vol % SiC increases by only 16%, while that of the composite with 20 vol % SiC increases by 19%; and, at 39 vol % SiC, it increases by 36%.