Towards the strength-ductility synergy of Al2O3/Al composite through the design of roughened interface

In the study, a roughened interface is designed to achieve the strength-ductility synergy of Al2O3/Al composites fabricated by flake powder metallurgy. The roughened SiO2@Al2O3 platelets are fabricated by high-shear dispersion process and subsequent sintering at the high temperature. The results show that different morphologies of asperities on the surface of SiO2@Al2O3 platelets can be obtained via controlling the sintering time. As the roughness increases, the strength and ductility of SiO2@Al2O3/Al composites are simultaneously improved. Load transfer efficiency is enhanced by platelet-matrix interlocking at the roughened SiO2@Al2O3/Al interface, compared to Al2O3/Al composite with smooth Al2O3-Al interface. The improved tensile ductility in SiO2@Al2O3/Al composite is attributed to the extrinsic toughening mechanism. This design strategy offers a simple and promising approach to improve the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites.

Automated summary

By designing a roughened interface, the strength-ductility synergy of Al2O3/Al composites can be achieved, with different morphologies of asperities obtained by controlling the sintering time to enhance the strength and ductility simultaneously. The improved tensile ductility in the composite is attributed to the extrinsic toughening mechanism, offering a simple and promising approach to enhance the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites.