Abstract
Mechanical properties of (10%$AI_20_3{\cdot}SiO_2$+5%Ni)/Al hybrid composites fabricated by the reaction squeeze casting were compared with those of (15%$AI_20_3{\cdot}SiO_2$)/Al composites. Intermetallic compound formed by reaction between molten aluminum and reinforcing powder was uniformly distributed in the Al matrix. These intermetallic compounds were identified as $Al_3$NI using EDS and X-ray diffraction analysis. Microhardness and flexural strength of hybrid composites were higher than that of (15%$AI_20_3{\cdot}SiO_2$)/Al Composite. In-Situ fracture tests were Conducted on (15%$AI_20_3{\cdot}SiO_2$)/Al Composites and (10%$AI_20_3{\cdot}SiO_2$+5%Ni)/Al hybrid composites to identify the microfracture process. It was identified from the in-situ fracture test of (10%$AI_20_3{\cdot}SiO_2$+5%Ni)/Al composites, microcracks were initiated mainly at the short fiber / matrix interfaces. As the loading was continued, the crack propagated mainly along the separated interfacial regions and the well developed shear bands. It was identified from the in-situ fracture test of (10%$AI_20_3{\cdot}SiO_2$+5%Ni)/Al hybrid composites, microcracks were initiated mainly by the short fiber/matrix interfacial debonding. The crack proceeded mainly through the intermetallic compound clusters
