Microstructural and mechanical characterization of Al–Zn–Si nanocomposites
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S.C. Monterrey, 66600, Alianza Nte. 202, Parque PIIT, Apodaca, N.L. (Mexico)
- Katcon Institute for Innovation and Technology KIIT, 66629, Alianza Sur 200, Apodaca, N.L. (Mexico)
- Instituto Tecnológico de Celaya, Apartado Postal 57, 38010 Celaya, Guanajuato (Mexico)
- Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S.C., 31109, Miguel de Cervantes 120, Chih., Chih. (Mexico)
In this paper the addition of silicon nanoparticles into Al–Zn alloys to form metallic matrix nanocomposites by mechanical alloying process was investigated. The influence of various process parameters such as milling time and Si concentration in the Al–Zn matrix has an interesting effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the synthesized nanocomposites. The microstructural characterization of the nanocomposites was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM–EDXS) and the mechanical properties were measured by nanoindentation and micro-hardness tests. The results showed that during mechanical milling Si is added to the Al–Zn matrix achieving a uniform and homogeneous dispersion. After solidification, it forms small particles of AlZnSi with blocky morphology in interdendritic regions. The nanoindentation profiles showed that the elastic modulus and hardness properties increase with increasing milling time. However, a high concentration of Si (> 1.2 wt.%) results in a saturation of Si in the Al–Zn matrix, which adversely affects the mechanical properties. Thus, it is important to tune the milling time and concentration of Si added to the Al–Zn alloys to control the growth of brittle phases that result in reduction of the mechanical properties of the material. - Highlights: • A novel technique for addition of Si nanocomposites into Al–Zn liquid alloy is reported. • Good dispersion and homogeneity of Si in the Al–Zn matrix are obtained. • Increasing Si content above 1.2 wt.% decreases the mechanical properties of Al–Zn alloy. • The saturation point of Si in 1.2 wt.% differs from Galvalume® composition. • The Al–Zn–1.5Si alloy with addition of nanocomposite shows 5.7 GPa of hardness.
- OSTI ID:
- 22285089
- Journal Information:
- Materials Characterization, Vol. 83; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1044-5803
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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