Research into the Structure of Aluminum Matrix Composite АK12+2.38%Cu+0.06%SiC with a Scanning Probe Microscope

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of the results obtained when using the method of scanning probe microscopy for exploring surfaces of aluminum matrix composite (АC12+2.38%Cu+0.06%SiC) and modified aluminum alloy (АL2) samples with nanohardness measuring device “NanoScan-3D”. The authors describe a calibration process of the device, which was implemented via precise positioning the optical axis of nanohardness measuring device “NanoScan-3D” with the indenter axis. The paper highlights that the structure images of materials under study obtained in the process of optical metallographic tests are similar to results of scanning probe microscopy. The second major finding is that the modules of elasticity of phase components in materials АC12+2.38%Cu+0.06%SiC and АL2 can be appropriately measured using the method of scanning probe microscopy with nanohardness measuring device “NanoScan-3D”. The paper identifies that modules of elasticity of alpha solid solution grains, eutectic and released silicon are comparable in aluminum matrix composite АC12+2.38%Cu+0.06%SiC and modified aluminum alloy АL2. The authors also point out the convergence of modules of elasticity in the zones with embedded particles of silicon carbide with the data given in literature. The paper reports practical approval of the procedure for detecting the strengthening particles of silicon carbide in aluminum matrix composite АC12+2.38%Cu+0.06%SiC using the method of scanning probe microscopy with device “NanoScan-3D”.