| Metal matrix composites are used in many applications like aerospace, automotive industries and others [1]. The proposed Al-Cu-B composite material possesses good mechanical properties, such as high strength and high hardness. These are further improved by precipitation hardening. In the present work the composite was solution-heat treated at 540°C for 2 hours (all samples); quenched and aged at different temperatures and times. These heat treatments, on the other hand, compromise the corrosion properties of material which is the reason for the present study.; Corrosion testing was made in a 3.5% NaCl solution for different sample groups. The potentiodynamic polarization technique was used to evaluate the corrosion potential (Ecorr) and the corrosion current (icorr ).; The matrix was affected by corrosion whereas the matrix/reinforcement interface was attacked by thermal residual stresses due to difference in thermal coefficient between the matrix and reinforcement. Both pitting and uniform corrosion were observed in the matrix. Corrosion potentials (Ecorr) for solutionized samples were more noble; for samples with aging the E corr less noble after one hour of aging time. The current density (i corr) varied at different temperatures and times of aging treatment due to presence of GP zones, theta″, theta ' and theta, and pores in the matrix.; The corroded surface was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Optical microscopy. |
