Achieving uniform distribution and dispersion of a high percentage of nanoparticles in metal matrix nanocomposites by solidification processing

An unprecedented uniform distribution and dispersion of 6 vol.% SiC nanoparticles (NPs) in Mg-Zn matrix is obtained through a novel solidification processing method that combines semisolid-state mechanical mixing and liquid-state ultrasonic processing. The resulting Mg-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) exhibit the highest hardness and the greatest hardness enhancement among all crystalline Mg-based MMNCs reported so far. The results shed light on a potential pathway for the development of ultra-high-performance metallic materials reinforced by NPs through solidification processing. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.