Microstructure and brazeability of SiC nanoparticles reinforced Al–9Si–20Cu produced by induction melting

Abstract

The effect of 0.5 wt-% SiC nanoparticle addition on microstructure and brazeability of Al–9Si–20Cu alloys has been investigated. The brazing is performed using the filler at 550°C for 30 min. Microstructural observations reveal the refinement of Si and CuAl₂ in Al–9Si–20Cu–0.5SiC composite. The average size of Si particles decreases from ∼9 to ∼4 μm. It has been shown that SiC nanoparticles improve the filler brazeability; the spreading ratio increases up to 88.4% as compared to 76.67% over Al–9Si–20Cu alloy. The tensile strength and ductility of Al–9Si–20Cu–0.5SiC are also enhanced by 47 and 53% respectively. The melting point shows a depression ∼4°C in Al–9Si–20Cu–0.5SiC and thus can be a potential filler candidate for brazing industries.