Aluminum powder metallurgy (P/M) composites offer high mechanical properties, low coefficient of thermal expansion and good weight strength ratio with homogeneous distribution of the reinforcement phase. This work aims to investigate the mechanical properties of pre-mixed aluminum matrix composites with different chemical compositions. Mixed powers of Al- 14Si-2.5Cu-0.5Mg and Al-14.5Si-1.85Cu-2.85Fe-0.8Mg with 10% volume fraction of SiC (12 μm) were used as starting powders. Reaction during sintering and chemical composition of the starting powders played important role on the sintered properties. T6 heat-treatment was carried out to produce fine precipitates to impede the movement of dislocation to increase their mechanical properties. The heat treatment involved solutionizing materials followed by water quenching and artificial aging.

Keywords: Aluminum powder, Composite, Sintering, Mechanical properties, T6 Heat treatment.