Microstructure and mechanical properties of A357/SiC nanocomposites fabricated by ultrasonic cavitation-based dispersion of ball-milled nanoparticles

Abstract

In this work, A357/0.5 wt.% SiC nanocomposites were fabricated with a combination of ultrasonic processing and a nanoparticle feeding mechanism that involves the introduction of a closed end aluminium tube filled with the ball-milled SiC nanoparticles (20–30 nm) and aluminium powders (<75 µm) into the melt for complete deagglomeration and uniform dispersion of nanoparticles through the matrix. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the fabricated nanocomposites were investigated. The microstructural studies conducted with optical and advanced electron microscopes indicate that relatively effective deagglomeration and uniform dispersion of SiC nanoparticles into the molten alloy were achieved. The hardness and tensile properties of the nanocomposites were notably improved compared to those of the ultrasonically processed A357 alloy without reinforcement, showing the strengthening potency of nanoparticles and the good bonding obtained at the particle-reinforcement interface.