Structure and properties of nanostructured aluminum A413.1 produced by melt spinning compared with ingot microstructure

Properties of nanostructured aluminum A413.1 produced by melt spinning at a cooling rate of 107 K/s, was investigated. The nanostructure of produced ribbons was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microhardness methods. Results show that the produced nanostructure exhibits unique properties such as enhanced solid-solubility level of Si in the Al matrix, formation of nano-sized spherically shaped Si crystals 60-70 nm in size, an increase in hardness by as much as twice and existence of ultra-fine and homogenous dendritic structure.