Dynamic recrystallization behavior and nucleation mechanism of dual-scale SiCp/A356 composites processed by P/M method

Abstract Thermal deformation can improve the properties of aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) prepared by powder metallurgy (P/M) due to the dense and uniform microstructures. And the final microstructure of the AMCs is related to the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior and nucleation mechanism in the thermal forming process. In this regard, the hot compression tests of dual-scale SiC particles reinforced A356 (SiCp/A356) composites prepared by P/M method were carried out at temperatures of 460–520°C and strain rates of 0.01–5 s−1 on a thermal simulation tester. The corresponding microstructure evolution was analyzed by electron back-scattered diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the stress–strain curve was a typical DRX unimodal stress curve. The comprehensive influences of the strain rate and deformation temperature on the stress were investigated using the Zener–Hollomon parameter (Z), where the deformation activation energy was 443.204 kJ/mol. The DRX critical strain model and DRX volume fraction model were established. DRX behavior of the SiCp/A356 composites was sensitive to the deformation temperatures and strain rates. The micro and nano SiCp can promote the DRX nucleation of Al matrix due to the particle-stimulated nucleation.