Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-SiC Nanocomposites Synthesized by Surface-Modified Aluminium Powder

Ceramic nanoparticle-reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMCs) have superior mechanical properties compared with matrix alloys, exhibiting great potential in structural applications in industries such as the aerospace and automotive sectors. This research proposes a new method for distributing SiC nanoparticles in an aluminium matrix alloy by powder metallurgy. The mixing of aluminium powder and SiC nanoparticles was processed by a two-step procedure, which included ultrasound-assisted stirring and planetary agitation. After that, the mixing powder was subjected to compaction, sintering and extrusion. A blank sample and three composite sheets containing 1, 2 and 3 wt % SiC nanoparticles were prepared and the mechanical properties were investigated by micro-hardness and tensile tests. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) were used for microstructural analysis of the composite. Experimental results revealed that by adding 1, 2, 3 wt % SiC nanoparticles, hardness was increased by 26%, 34.5%, 40.0% and tensile strength was increased by 22.3%, 28.6% and 29.3%, respectively. The grain size of the aluminium matrix decreased with the addition of SiC nanoparticles. Moreover, a decrease of elongation was observed with the increasing weight fraction of SiC.