Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with Alumina Nanoparticles

This book describes the latest efforts to develop aluminum§nanocomposites with enhanced damping and mechanical properties and good§workability. The nanocomposites exhibited high strength, improved damping§behavior and good ductility, making§them suitable for use as wires. Since the production of metal matrix§nanocomposites by conventional melting processes is considered extremely problematic (because of the poor wettability of§the nanoparticles), different powder metallurgy routes were investigated,§including high-energy ball milling and unconventional compaction methods.§Special attention was paid§to the structural§characterization at the micro- and nanoscale, as uniform nanoparticle dispersion in metal matrix§is of prime importance. The aluminum nanocomposites displayed an ultrafine microstructure§reinforced with alumina nanoparticles produced in situ or added ex situ. The§physical, mechanical and functional characteristics of the materials produced were evaluated using different mechanical tests§and microstructure investigation techniques. The book presents and discusses the experimental results in§detail, and offers suggestions for future research directions.