Effect of Heat Treatment on Corrosion Resistance and Mechanical Properties of WCp/2024Al Metal Matrix Composite

The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of WCp/2024Al metal metrix composite(MMC) under difference heat treatment conditions were studied by SEM, electrochemical technique, mass loss test and tensile test. The results showed that WCp/2024Al MMC suffered pitting occurring in the interface of copper-rich phase/copper-poor area. T4 treatment significantly reduced the precipitation of copper-rich phase and led to significant reduction on the pitting susceptibility. The effect of pitting in the mechanical properties of the composite was significant. the residual strength of the composite material in T4 state was superior to that of the composite material in T6 stare.