Abstract
The effect of mixing alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles in pure aluminum has been investigated, with a characterization of the mechanical properties and erosion-corrosion (E-C) behavior. Specimens of pure aluminum and Al with nanoparticles added as reinforcement have been produced by casting. Uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the molten aluminum matrix has been achieved by mechanical stirring. Mechanical properties such as yield strength, ultimate strength, modulus of elasticity, and hardness of the new composites have been measured. E-C tests have been conducted to investigate the effect of the nanoparticle additives on the weight loss and surface properties of the new composites. Scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and energy dispersive spectrometry have been employed to analyze, characterize, and compare pure aluminum and the composites. Al-Al2O3 nanocomposites have been obtained successfully and with a reasonable distribution by adding 1 wt.-% of alumina nanoparticles (100 nm or 20 nm in size) to molten aluminum. The alumina nanoparticles have increased the yield strength and hardness of the new composites when compared to pure aluminum. Enhancement in E-C resistance is also observed under various conditions.