Hot forging and extrusion of AL-LI/SIC composites

Abstract

SiC-particulate-reinforced Al-Li composites with 4, 10 and 30 µ SiC particle sizes and varying volume % were prepared by powder metallurgy (PM). The matrix was an Al-2.5%Li-2.0%Cu-1.5%Mg-0.15%Zr alloy and the powders were produced by Rapid Solidification Process (RSP). Wet mixing and hot pressing with Argon gas protection were introduced to obtain a materials with good structure and properties. "Disk shape" forgings were selected as discrete components to perform hot forging.