Mechanical properties of SiC nanoparticle-reinforced Al-2024 alloy

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties of Al-2024 alloy reinforced with SiC nanoparticles, highlighting the effectiveness of ultrasonic-assisted stir casting in achieving uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles. The aim is to enhance the material's inherent limitations in hardness and overall mechanical performance under demanding conditions by incorporating SiC nanoparticles. The experimental investigation explores varying SiC content (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and its relationship with tensile strength and hardness. The results indicate a substantial 31% enhancement in hardness and a 25% improvement in tensile strength, demonstrating the effectiveness of nanoparticle reinforcement. Furthermore, several strengthening mechanisms were found to be important contributors to yield strength, including the Orowan mechanism, dislocation strengthening, and grain refinement strengthening. A maximum variation of 13% between the experimental and predicted yield strength of the Al2024-SiCnp composite confirms the reliability of the predictive models employed. Overall, the results support SiC nanoparticles' ability to improve Al-2024 composites' mechanical characteristics for cutting-edge engineering uses. © 2025, Fracture and Structural Integrity (F&SI). All rights reserved.