Effects of Processing Parameters on Mechanical Properties of Silicon Carbide Nanoparticle-Reinforced Aluminium Alloy Matrix Composite Materials

Nano-silicon carbide (nSiC) particle-reinforced aluminium (Al) 6061 alloy matrix composites were fabricated by high-energy ball milling, hot-pressing (HP), and hot-forging (HF). The composite powders were degassed and the composites were synthesised under air and/or vacuum. Mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials were evaluated using various tests, including indentation, compression, four-point bending, and tensile tests as well as by microstructural observations. Different amounts of nSiC were added and the mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials were measured and discussed. The microstructures of the composites depended on the nSiC content and synthesis conditions. The Vickers hardness and tensile strength values of the nSiC reinforced Al 6061 composites were approximately three times higher than that of a pure Al 6061 alloy bulk. The results demonstrated that the small amount of nSiC particles functioned as efficient reinforcement material in the Al 6061 alloy matrix composite material and that the strength and ductility of the composite material can be controlled by adjusting the processing parameters and nSiC content.