ABSTRACT
The effects of aging on the thermal diffusivity/conductivity of a particulate-SiC-reinforced 6061 aluminum matrix composite were investigated. The experimental results have shown that the thermal diffusivity/conductivity of the particulate-SiC-reinforced 6061 aluminum matrix composite increases with the increase of aging time. This phenomenon is believed to be contributed by the increase in the thermal diffusivity/conductivity of the aluminum matrix alloy. However, it should be noted that the aging-time dependence of the thermal diffusivity/conductivity of the metal matrix composite (MMC) is different when compared with unreinforced alloy. This difference is due to the accelerated aging kinetics caused by the presence of reinforcement in the matrix. In summary, the increase in the thermal diffusivity/conductivity of the MMC could possibly be attributed to reduced solute concentration and decreased strain, before and after peak aging.
