In this paper, six-layer AlN/Al gradient composites were prepared by a spark plasma sintering process to study the influences of sintering temperature and holding time on the microstructure and mechanical properties. The well-bonded interface enables the composite to exhibit excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The hardness and thermal expansion properties of the composite exhibit a gradient property. The hardness increased with the volume fraction of AlN while the CTE decreased as the volume fraction of AlN. The thermal expansion reaches the lowest value of 13-14 ppm/K, and the hardness reaches the maximum value of 1.25 GPa, when the target volume fraction of AlN is 45%. The simulation results show that this gradient material can effectively reduce the thermal stress caused by the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficient as a transmitter and receiver (T/R) module. This paper attempts to provide experimental support for the preparation of gradient Al matrix composites.
Keywords: AlN; aluminium matrix composites; microstructure; spark plasma sintering.