Composition Optimization for A206/Al2O3 Nanocomposite

The gamma-Al2O3 nanoparticles can have significant impact to hot tearing resistance of an A206 alloy. This makes the A206/Al2O3 nanocomposite a promising material for automotive and aerospace industries. In this work, a parametric study of the effect of Cu, Mg and Ti content on the mechanical properties of A206/Al2O3 nanocomposite is conducted. Additional Cu and Mg can strengthen the alloy at the cost of ductility, while Al2O3 nanoparticles can refine the CuAl2 networks to a smaller and rounder shape, which leads to a better ductility for the A206/Al2O3 nanocomposite. Moreover, additional Ti can further refine the A206 matrix to enhance mechanical properties. The optimized combination of composition for an A206/Al2O3 nanocomposite was obtained based on tensile test results and microstructure analysis. This result could be utilized in the large-scale production to achieve both outstanding mechanical properties and hot tearing resistance of A206/Al2O3 nanocomposites.