Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: This research is conducted in order to fabricate nanostructured Al reinforced with SiC nanoparticles to achieve high mechanical properties. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Nanostructured Al and nanocomposite of Al reinforced with SiC nanoparticles were fabricated by mechanical alloying of Al and Al-SiC mixture powders, respectively and hot pressing. The microstructures of the fabricated materials were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Also, the microhardness of the produced materials was measured by Vickers microhardness instrument. Findings: Mechanical alloying of constituents for 30 h resulted in production of nanocrystalline Al and Al-SiC powders with the average grain size of 83 nm and 72 nm, respectively and uniform distribution of SiC nanoparticles in Al matrix. Al and Al-SiC nanostructured bulk samples with the densities of 2.66 and 2.61 g/cm3 and enhanced hardness values of ~111 and ~ 150 Hv, respectively were produced through hot consolidation of the milled powders. Applications/Improvements: Al-SiC nanocomposite with superior hardness was fabricated by grain refinement of Al matrix and strengthening by SiC nanoparticles. SiC nanoparticles retarded grain growth during hot consolidation.

Keywords: Aluminum, Hardness, Mechanical Milling, Nanocomposite, SiC