Microstructure and compressive deformation of hypereutectic Al-Si-Fe based P/M alloys fabricated by spark plasma sintering

Al-Si-Fe based alloys are attractive light-weight structural materials for automotive engine components because of their high wear resistance, low density and low thermal expansion. Al-17Si-5Fe-2Cu-1Mg-1Ni-1Zr alloys were produced in compact form by a spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique using gas atomized powders. The mean grain size of the compact was 530 nm, and fine equiaxed grains and uniformly distributed precipitates were observed in the compact. The compressive deformation behavior of the SPSed materials was examined at various temperatures and strain rates. All the true stress-true strain curves showed steady state flow after reaching peak stress. The peak stress decreased with increasing test temperature and decreasing strain rate. In the deformed specimens, the equiaxed grain morphology and the dislocation microstructure within the equiaxed grains were observed. These facts strongly indicated the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization during high temperature deformation of the present alloy.