Microstructure of a novel Al-based amorphous reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite

A novel aluminium metal matrix composite reinforced with Al-based amorphous was fabricated by friction stir processing.The microstructure, microhardness and chemical composition of the composite were analyzed by metallography, microsclermeter and scanning electron microscope.The test results indicate that the composite is composed of an obvious sandwich structure including amorphous strip and base material.The hardness of the composite is higher than that of base metal.The phase constituents of the composite are composed of α-Al, Mg₂Al₃, MnAl₆ and La₃Al₁₁.An obvious crystallization characteristic occurs in the original amorphous strip of the composite, in which the crystallization process may be effected by thermal friction, mechanical stirring and pressure forces.