Micromechanics-based thermal expansion characterization of SiC nanoparticle-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites

Understanding the structure-property relations for metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nanoparticles is a key factor for a reliable and optimal design of such new material systems. In the present study, coefficient of thermal expansion of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticle-reinforced aluminum (Al) matrix nanocomposites is predicted using a three-dimensional unit cell based micromechanical approach. The model takes into account the aluminum carbide (Al4C3) interphase region formed due to the reaction between SiC nanoparticles and surrounding Al matrix. The effects of some critical parameters, including volume fraction and diameter of SiC nanoparticles, interphase features such as geometry and material properties on the coefficient of thermal expansion of Al nanocomposite are extensively investigated. The obtained results clearly reveal the high influence of the interphase region on the coefficient of thermal expansion of Al nanocomposite. Based on the simulation results, the coefficient of thermal expansion of Al nanocomposite nonlinearly decreases with the increase in the interphase thickness or decreasing SiC nanoparticles diameter. Furthermore, the role of interphase in the thermal expansion behavior of Al nanocomposite becomes more prominent with the reduction in the nanoparticle diameter. Also, the coefficient of thermal expansion of Al nanocomposite linearly decreases as SiC nanoparticle volume fraction increases.