Study on preparation of large sized nanoparticle reinforced aluminium matrix composite by solid–liquid mixed casting process

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for an inexpensive fabrication of large sized aluminium matrix nanocomposite, namely, the solid–liquid mixed (SLiM) casting technique accompanied with the idea of carrier ‘protein’ in the biochemistry. The results reveal that the poor dispersibility and low wettability of nanosized Al₂O₃ particles are obviously improved via the carrier agent of Al powder, and the large sized 0·6 wt-Al₂O₃–Al-2024 metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) with an uniformly nanosized particle distribution is successfully prepared by the SLiM casting process. Compared with the conventional stir casting, the tensile strength, yield strength and the hardness of the SLiM 0·6 wt-Al₂O₃–Al-2024 nanocomposite are enhanced by 59, 58 and 16 respectively. The present fabrication method is suitable for the production of other MMNCs. This work is expected to provide a guidance for the commercial preparation of the MMNC.