Mechanical properties of individual phases, deformation and fracture in mechanically alloyed Al-Al_{4C_{3 composite

Using a Depth Sensing Indentation technique (DSI), the Martens hardness HM, indentation modulus EIT and deformation work W for Al matrix and Al4C3 particles have been measured. It has been shown that the hardness of Al4C3 particles is 57 times higher than the hardness of matrix. The change in fracture for the Al-12Al4C3 system was investigated and analysed at different temperatures and strain rates. With increasing tensile load, local cracks are formed by rupture of large particles and by decohesion of smaller particles from the matrix. Further increase of load leads to the crack growth by coalescence of cavities.