Microstructures and mechanical properties of MgAl2O4 particle-reinforced AC4C aluminum composites

MgAl2O4 particle-reinforced AC4C based alloy composites were fabricated by the stirring-casting method. The effects of the average sizes and the size distributions of MgAl2O4 particles on the dispersibility were investigated, and the microstructures, strength, and fatigue properties of MgAl2O4 particle-reinforced AC4C based alloy composites were evaluated. Tensile strength in the MgAl2O4 particle-reinforced AC4C based alloy composite was increased by using the classified particles. The fatigue limit at 107 cycles in the MgAl2O4 particle-reinforced AC4C-Cu composite increased by 27% compared to the unreinforced alloy at 250 °C. Dislocations were observed in the matrix around the MgAl2O4 particle which resulted from the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients between MgAl2O4 and Al, and resisted failure and caused fatigue cracks to propagate around the MgAl2O4 particles, resulting in extensive crack deflection and crack bowing, which contributed to the improvement of fatigue strength.