Preparation and mechanical properties of β-SiC nanoparticle reinforced aluminum matrix composite by a multi-step powder metallurgy process

Abstract

β-SiC nanoparticle reinforced Al matrix (nano-SiCp/Al) composite was prepared by a multistep powder metallurgy strategy including presureless sintering, hot compacting process and hot extrusion. The microstructures of the as-prepared composites were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and the mechanical properties were characterized by tensile strength measurement and Brinell hardness test. The experimental results revealed that the tensile strength of the composite with the addition of 5wt% β-SiC nanoprticles could be increased to 215 MPa, increasing by 110% compared with pure Al matrix. Comparative experiments reflected that the β-SiC nanoprticles showed significant reinforcement effect than traditional α-SiC micro-sized particles. The preparation process and sintering procedure were investigated to develop a cost effective preparation strategy to fabricate nano-SiCp/Al composite.

Keywords

β-SiC / nanoparticles / particulate reinforced Al matrix composite / powder metallurgy

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