Effect of milling time on dual-nanoparticulate-reinforced aluminum alloy matrix composite materials

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and nano-silicon carbide (nSiC)-reinforced aluminum (Al)-6061 alloy matrix composite materials were fabricated using high-energy ball milling and hot-pressing processes. The nSiC was used not only as a solid mixing agent to better disperse the CNTs in the Al powder, but also as a mean of inducing fine particle strengthening. The densification behavior of the dual-nanoparticulate-reinforced composites varied with the milling time. The crystallite sizes of Al in composites became significantly smaller when the milling time was increased. Moreover, the high-energy ball milling time significantly affected the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. We believe that the dual-nanoparticulate-reinforced composites can be used in a variety of applications as industrial component materials with precisely controlled properties.