Investigation of Compressive Properties and Microstructure of Al-SiO2 Nanocomposites Produced by Ultrasonic and Stir Casting Techniques

In this study, it is tried to use an inexpensive and new method for fabrication of aluminum matrix nanocomposites reinforced with SiO2 nano-sized ceramic particles. In this method, ultrasonic device was used for increasing wettability and dispersion of reinforcement nanoparticles within the aluminum melt. After producing aluminum nanocomosites reinforced with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 wt. % SiO2, microstructure study of matrix were carried out with an optical microscope and SEM equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). At the end, compression test were taken on produced nanocomposites. The results show that adding SiO2 nanoparticles will improve structure and properties of the final product by creating nucleation center for intermetallic compounds and also increase compressive strength of produced nanocomposites than the pure Al alloy.