The effect of temperature on tensile behavior and microstructure of Al-3 vol% SiC nanocomposite

In this study, high-temperature tensile behavior of Al-3 vol% SiC nanocomposite is investigated. To fabricate the samples, SiC nano reinforcements and Al matrix were mixed using an attrition milling. The mixed powders were then subjected to cold pressing and hot extrusion at temperature of 500° C. Tensile behavior at different temperatures along with density measurement and microstructural examinations were studied. The results represent a 40% improvement in ultimate tensile strength of Al-3vol% SiC nanocomposite in comparison with non-reinforced sample at ambient temperature. Also, a rise in temperature up to 270 ° C during the tensile test led to an increase of the maximum elongation. Moreover, this temperature rise caused to 50% and 44% reduction of ultimate tensile strength of non-reinforced and nanocomposites samples, respectively. Fractured surfaces also showed that the in non-reinforced sample with increasing the temperature, brittle fracture changes to ductile fracture however, for nanocomposite sample the fracture remains brittle.