Synthesis and Characterization of New Cast A356(Al2O3)P Metal Matrix Nano-Composites

Abstract

The present investigation studies the processing of A356 Al-Si alloy containing up to 5% vol.-% nano-sized al2o3 particles having size less than 500 nm. Composites were prepared using semi-solid casting route. To evaluate the results the alloys were further characterised by various metallurgical and mechanical characterization methods. The results showed that introducing nano-particles into semi-solid slurries promises to be a successful route for producing a new generation of cast metal matrix nano-composites (MMNCs). The nano-composites showed high strength values associated with superior ductility, low porosity content, high corrosion resistance, and improved electrical conductivity compared to the alloy without particles addition under the same casting conditions.