Abstract
It has been recently demonstrated that microstructure as well as mechanical properties of metal-matrix-nano-composites can be highly improved by using ultrasonic cavitation. The main reason is ultrasonic cavitation processing can help to spread and break the clusters of nanoparticles in the melt during the fabrication process. The present investigation attempted to evaluate how different solidification conditions effect the microstructure of nanocomposites and how nanoparticles influence the evolution of microstructure during solidification. An A356 alloy and Al2O3 nanoparticles are used as the matrix and the reinforcements, respectively. Ultrasonic cavitation was applied during the induction melting to assist in the dispersion of the nanoparticles. Ultrasonic cavitation was also applied during solidification for different cooling conditions. Experimental results indicated that ultrasonic cavitation processing and Al2O3 nanoparticles play an important role for microstructure refinement. In addition, Al2O3 nanoparticles can refine the eutectic Si.
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