Synergistic strengthening of aluminum matrix composites reinforced by SiC nanoparticles and carbon fibers

A novel method for uniformly introducing SiC nanoparticles (SiCnp) and carbon fibers (C-f) into aluminum matrix was developed and the experimental reference was provided for the fabrication and mechanical properties of SiCnp and C-f synergistically reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiCnp-C-f/Al composites). The microstructure revealed that the SiCnp and C-f were uniformly introduced in the Al matrix and the structure of SiCnp-C-f/Al composites is dense. Compared with single SiCnp reinforced aluminum matrix composites, the tensile strength and Vickers hardness of SiCnp-C-f/Al composites were increased by 71% and 88%, respectively. The enhancement is due to synergistic strengthening effect of SiCnp and C-f. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.