Aluminum-based metal matrix composites produced by powder metallurgy are used in the aerospace and automobile industries because of their high strength, light weight, etc. The properties may become much better when nano-size reinforcements are used. In this research, the morphological, microstructural and mechanical properties changes during nano size alumina increment to Al powder were studied. Because nano-size particles are extremely prone to agglomeration, all of the samples have been milled for 12 hours by a planetary ball mill. The process was conducted for Al–(0-20)wt%Al2O3 powders to explore the role of reinforcement nano particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties. The results showed that the strength, ductility and hardness were increased by augment of the reinforcement nano-particles weight percent. Also, addition of hard particles accelerated the milling process, leading to faster work hardening rate and fracture of the aluminum powder.

Keywords