Microstructure and Tensile Properties of A357 Alloy Based Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with Different TiB2 Nanoparticle Contents
AbstractAluminium-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) strengthened with nano-sized reinforcements are gaining more attention day by day due to their high specific strength. However, the fabrication of MMNCs faces a number of challenges such as obtaining a uniform nanoparticle dispersion in matrices due to high surface energy and agglomeration tendency of nanoparticles [1]. In case of utilizing liquid state fabrication routes which are considered to be more suitable for mass production in terms of producing complex shaped engineering components at lower costs compared to solid state routes, additional challenges including poor wetting of nanoparticles by molten aluminum could emerge. It has been shown that the application of ultrasound (high intensity ultrasonic waves) in molten metals could lead to uniform dispersion and distribution of nano-sized reinforcements through the matrix, and hence significant improvement in the mechanical properties [2,3].