Al-C nanocomposites processed by severe plastic deformation

Al based nanocomposites containing various amounts of C nanoparticles were developed by ball milling and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The clusters of C nanoparticles in the as-received powder were well dispersed as individual particles in the Al matrix. The distribution was improved with increasing number of ECAP passes, and this is demonstrated by the remarkable increase in compressive plastic strain to fracture from 10% for the 8-pass sample to 20% for the 24-pass sample. Strength between 300 and 400 MPa was achieved with greatly improved ductility. © Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia Ltd.