Properties of aluminium-ceramic phase composites produced from P/M compacts in hot forging and extrusion processes

The results of investigations of properties of aluminium-based composites produced by means of powder metallurgy and plastic working processes are presented in the paper. Atomized aluminium po-wder was used as a metallic matrix. As a reinforcement ceramic particles and fibres were used, and their volume fraction was maintained constant at 5%. The initial material to be formed was prepared by mixing of ingredients and compaction of the obtained mixture. Aluminium powder compacts and com-posite mixtures were subjected to consolidation and deformation in closed-die hot forging and hot extrusion processes, applying the extrusion ratio X = 4.11. These processes were realized in isothermal conditions, at the temperature of 500°C. The effect of a type of reinforcing phase as well as method of deformation on selected physical, mechanical and functional properties of obtained materials was ana-lysed. It was found that the proposed method results in obtaining highly compacted products, showing mechanical and functional properties which allow to use them in structural components. The product properties can be controlled by means of selection of a type of reinforcing phase as well as method of deformation