The application of external fields to the manufacturing of novel dense composite master alloys and Aluminum-based nanocomposites

Abstract

The possibility of producing dense and concentrated master alloys containing nanosized Al<inf>2</inf>O<inf>3</inf> by shock-wave compacting is demonstrated. Different conditions of shock-wave process are discussed. The data of master alloys characterization are presented. The nanostructured master alloys have high density and are convenient for metallurgical handling. It is found that the use of such a master alloy with nanoceramic particles facilitates the particle introduction into the aluminum melt. The ultrasonic treatment performed during and after the introduction of the master alloy into the melt further leads to uniform distribution of strengthening nanoparticles and improvement of alloy strength and ductility. Experimental results are shown and discussed.