Fabrication of nano-SiC_p/Al composite by high energy ball milling

The aluminum matrix composite reinforced by 10vol% nano-SiC particles was fabricated by powder metallurgical process with high energy ball milling.Effects of milling time on both the composite powder size and the nano particles distribution were determined,as well as the microstructure and tensile properties of the composite were studied.The results indicate that with increasing milling time,the size of composite powders decreases first and then increases,and reaches the smallest size for milling 15 h using 2wt% stearic acid as process control agents(PCA).In addition,the distribution of SiCp particles is improved.Using the optimum milling time and PCA content,nano-SiCp/Al composite with excellent comprehensive properties was fabricated successfully.The tensile strength of the obtained composite reaches 392.7 MPa,increasing by 164.9% compared with that of pure Al.While,the elongation shows a little decline and reaches 10.41%.The fracture mechanism of composite is dimple mode.