Abstract:Microstructure and properties of SiC_w/2124A1 composite fabricated by powder metallurgy technique were  systematically  investigated.  The  results  indicate  that  the  matrix  in  the  composite preserves  the microstructural characteristics of microcrystalline aluminum powder. SiC whiskers are uniformly distributed in the matrix and the interfacial bonding is excellent. Because of the addition of SiC whisker the strength and modulus of the composite increase by 45% and 76% respectively, and the coefficient of thermal expansion decreases by 35%.

Key words: microstructure     properties   Al composite   powder metallurgy