Abstract

An aluminium matrix nano-composite (AlMNC) was obtained by a powder metallurgy (P/M) process, consisting of an ex situ reinforcement of pre-alloyed AA6005A powders with 3% vol. of TiC nanoparticles (nTiC), high-energy mechanical milling (HEMM) and hot extrusion powder (HEP). AA6005A powder was chosen as matrix because it is a heat-treatable medium strength Al alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, extrusion performance and good weldability; and the nTiC particles due to their low density, good chemical stability and excellent combination of hardness and elastic modulus. HEMM allowed obtaining an ultra-fine grained (UFG) matrix, a uniform dispersion of the nano-reinforcement and its proper incorporation in the ductile matrix. Simultaneously, the repeated plastic deformation of matrix powder led to a high density of crystal defects, and the large number of dislocation barriers produced by nTiC particles are responsible of the obtained nanostructured composites. HEP allowed obtaining high quality extrudates with an a homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles. The hardness of the nanocomposite is almost 43 % higher than that of the unreinforced AA6005A, showing important increases in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength with a 5% elongation. The extruded profiles were Friction Stir Welded (FSW) obtaining sound welds. The grain size refinement on the stir zone (SZ), led to a slight increase in hardness in the welds.