Influence of Al2O3 nano-dispersions on microstructure features and mechanical properties of cast and T6 heat-treated Al Si hypoeutectic Alloys

Cast light metal alloys have retained their importance and unique characteristics as first candidates when cost-function relationship is considered. Hypoeutectic aluminum silicon alloys as (A356) exhibit several specific and interesting properties that qualify them to be used in many automotive and aeronautical applications. Evidence of significant enhancement in the properties of Al-Si cast alloys by incorporating Al2O3 nano-particles have been recently presented. The present study aims at developing Al2O3 nano-dispersed Al-Si alloys with suitable casting methods that assure the dispersion of the nano-particles. In this work a number of cast samples of A356 were prepared by rheo-casting in a specially designed and built furnace unit allowing for the addition of the Al2O3 nano-particles into the molten Al-Si alloy in the semi-solid state with mechanical stirring. The microstructural features and the mechanical properties of the cast and T6 heat treated samples were investigated. The results obtained in this work showed enhancement in the mechanical strength of the Al2O3 nano-dispersed alloys, accompanied by significant increase in the elongation percentage, supported by evidence of refined dendrite arms length, and inter-lamellar spacing. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.