Synthesis & Characterization of Metal Matrix Nanocompsites

A356 as matrix and nano SiC as reinforcement material nanocomposites are fabricated in this work. Since nanoparticles tend to agglomerate into large clusters during composite processing, effect of ultrasonic cavitation to avoid agglomeration and clustering of nanoparticles in melts is studied. Cavitation pressure required to be developed by the ultrasonic transducer to disperse reinforcements is evaluated. Uniform distribution of nanoparticles is ascertained by SEM test. EDS analysis reveals that there is no contamination of the fabricated composite. Fabricated nanocomposites are then machined into tensile, wear test specimens of dimensions according to ASTM standards. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, hardness, ductility, sliding wear resistance are evaluated and compared with pure aluminum alloy. Machinability and electrical conductivity also evaluated. In the present work, an attempt has been made to confirm the applicability of ANN techniques for prediction of wearof MMNCs by comparing the results of ANN with the experimental results. In addition to the above prediction model, yield strength results are validated using an analytical model.