Abstract
In the current work, a hybrid nanocomposite Al-Si matrix was fabricated using the powder metallurgy method. Due to their superior mechanical strength, formability, and durability, aluminum composite matrices have considered attractive materials for structural and advanced applications. The incorporation of fly ash (FA) as one of the cheapest and lowest density reinforcement available during the combustion process with high-density ceramic particles such as vanadium carbide (VC) has significant benefits in the production process of such composites. The hybridization of VC and FA nanoparticles with different weight percentages were used to reinforce the Al-Si matrix under various sintering conditions. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffraction particle size analyzer were utilized to examine the microstructure of the prepared powder and particle size. In addition to the mechanical and physical properties, the wear and corrosion resistance were investigated for the fabricated samples. The results revealed that the addition of 10 wt.% VC and 10 wt.% FA nanoparticles caused a decrease in the Al-Si alloy particle sizes up to 47.8 nm and act as a barrier for dislocation movement. Also, the microhardness, yield strength, and ultimate copressive strength were enhanced by 75, 42 and 38%, respectively. Moreover, there was an increase of about 25% in the ultrasonic longitudinal and shear velocities, thus showing a significant improvement in the elastic moduli group of about 50%. Finally, the addition of VC and FA particles significantly affected the wear and corrosion resistance; hence, they increased by 40 and 67%, respectively.