Mechanical characterisation of interpenetrating network metal–ceramic composites

A variety of interpenetrating light weight metal matrix composites (porous Al2O3 preforms infiltrated with the aluminium alloy AlSi9Cu3) have been characterised under tensile und compressive loads and fractographically examined by scanning electron microscopy. Fatigue and thermophysical properties were determined. Compared to die-cast AlSi9Cu3, the mechanical properties of the interpenetrating composites were significantly improved.The elastic modulus increased more than twofold, the tensile strength increases by a factor of 2, fatigue limits increased by a factor of 2.3–2.6, density increased slightly by a factor of 1.2 and thermal conductivity is reduced by a factor of 0.5.