Preparation and properties of nano-SiC_p/A356 composites synthesised with a new process

ABSTRACT

Nano-SiC_p reinforced A356 aluminium alloy composites were prepared by solid–liquid mixed casting. Nano-SiC particles 40 nm in diameter were pre-oxidised at 850°C. Millimetre-sized composite granules were then fabricated by milling a mixture of nano-SiC_p and Al powders, and then remelting to form an alloy melt, which was treated by mechanical stirring and ultrasonic vibration to prepare the composites. Results showed that nano-SiC particles were dispersed pretty well within the matrix and no serious agglomeration was observed. As the weight fraction of SiC_p increased, the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the composites increased as well, by 22%, 62% and 24%, respectively, when compared to A356 alloy with 2wt-% nano-SiC_p.

KEYWORDS:

• Metal matrix composites
• SiC nano-particles
• A356 aluminium alloy
• solid–liquid mixed casting
• ultrasonic vibration

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their appreciation to Analytical & Testing Center, HUST.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by Project 51574129 supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China.