Investigation of the low-speed impact behavior of dual particle size metal matrix composites

•AA2124 matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles were manufactured.•Low-speed impact behaviors of composites were investigated.•Composites were manufactured with single (SPS) and dual particle sizes (DPS).•Impact behaviors of DPS composites are more favorable than the SPS composites.•Approximately 50–60% of input energy was absorbed by the composite samples.

SiC-reinforced aluminum matrix composites were manufactured by powder metallurgy using either single or dual particle sized SiC powders and samples sintered under argon atmosphere. Quasi-static loading, low-speed impact tests and hardness tests were used to investigate mechanical behavior and found that dual particle size composites had improved hardness and impact performance compared to single particle size composites. Sample microstructure, particle distributions, plastic deformations and post-testing damages were examined by scanning electron microscopy and identified microstructure agglomerations in SPS composites. Impact traces were characterized by broken and missing SiC particles and plastically deformed composite areas.