Influence of nanodispersions on strength–ductility properties of semisolid cast A356 Al alloy

Abstract

The present investigation studies the prospects of using nanoparticles as reinforcement agents to gain improved performance of A356 Al cast alloy by adding up to 5% Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ particles. The particles size was intentionally reduced from 10 μm to 500 nm to 40 nm. To evaluate the results, the alloys were further characterised by various metallurgical and mechanical characterisation methods. The results showed that introducing nanoparticles into semisolid slurries has a beneficial effect on optimising strength–ductility relationship in Al–Si cast alloys. The new material showed higher strength values with improved ductility compared to the monolithic alloy under the same casting conditions. Those particles were incorporated and entrapped within the interdendritic and/or grain boundary interface, as well as within the grains, developed during solidification.