Effect of coating Al2O3 reinforcing particles on the interface and mechanical properties of 6061 alloy aluminium matrix composites

A Y2O3 coating on α-Al2O3 powder produced by liquid-phase coating method was used to modify the interfacial properties of squeeze-casting Al2O3 powder reinforced 6061Al composites. Interface observations and analysis indicated that Y2Al was generated on the interfaces by interfacial reaction. The interface produced was clear and bonded well. The mechanical properties of the coated Al2O3p/6061Al composites were better than those produced with uncoated particles. In the composite with 30% volume fraction, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increased by 33% and 27%, respectively, while the elongation increased by 12.2%. The fracture surface presents ductile fracture features.