Abstract
Nano-microhybrid reinforced metal matrix composites are the novel combination of composite system which enhanced the mechanical properties of the metal matrix composites. The aim of this study is to determine the nano- and macromechanical properties of aluminium (A356)-based hybrid composites reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes and alumina short fibers (Al2O3sf). Hybrid preforms were developed initially, by a combination of multiwall carbon nanotubes and Al2O3sf with total volume fractions of 10%, 15% and 20% and by varying the weight percentage of multiwall carbon nanotubes such as 1%, 2% and 3%. The fabricated hybrid preforms were then infiltrated with aluminium alloy (A356), and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. The distribution of multiwall carbon nanotubes within the array of the Al2O3sf network which exists in clusters was found to be relatively good. The mechanical properties such as the hardness and tensile strength of Al-based hybrid metal matrix composites were found to be improved by up to 2 wt% of multiwall carbon nanotubes. The causative reason for this is attributed to a combined effect of both multiwall carbon nanotubes and Al2O3sf, which contributed to better load sharing between the fibers and the Al matrix, and also accounted for the resistance of dislocation movements caused by the presence of the multiwall carbon nanotubes. In addition, the continuous stiffness measurement method was also used to evaluate the nanomechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the influence of multiwall carbon nanotubes highlighted the properties on a nanoscale.
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