Strength prediction of the ARBed Al/Al2O3/B4C nano-composites using Orowan model

• The TEM microstructure revealed the ceramic particles well-distributed in the matrix.
• The presence of the nano-ceramic particles lead to an improvement in hardness.
• The Orowan model is suitable for the low particle-reinforced nano-composites.

In this study, aluminum metal matrix nano-composites reinforced with three different volume fractions of nano-sized Al2O3 and B4C particulates were fabricated by accumulative roll bonding process. Microstructural characterization of the materials revealed reasonably uniform distribution of nano-size Al2O3 and B4C reinforcement. Mechanical properties characterization revealed that the presence of nano-Al2O3 and B4C particulates as reinforcement lead to a simultaneous increase in the hardness, yield, tensile, and specific strength of pure aluminum. Orowan theoretical model suggested by Zhang and Chen was used to predict the yield strength of the Al/Al2O3–B4C nano-composites. In addition, the yield strength of the nano-composites determined by tensile tests was compared with the calculated yield strength. The results indicated that there is a good agreement between the calculated yield strength and experimental value in the low reinforcement content.

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