Plasticity and microstructure of A356 matrix nano composites

In this investigation, the effect of the volume fraction of the nano-SiC particles on the mechanical properties of the Al–Si matrix composites was studied. The yield strength and tensile strength increase, but the elongation decreases with the increase in the volume fraction of the SiC particles, indicating that increasing the volume fraction of the SiC particles can improve the strength but degrade the plasticity of the composites. For nano-SiC particle reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites, the SiC particle is the main strengthening factor. The increase in the yield strength by the introduction of the SiC particles is caused by the external applied stress transferred from the Al matrix to the nano-SiC particles. The higher the volume fraction of the SiC particles, the more apparent the grain refinement and dislocations’ interaction. Microstructure evaluation revealed a uniform distribution of nano-particles, grain refinement of aluminum matrix, and presence of the minimal porosity.