Effect of additions of ceramic nanoparticles and gas-dynamic treatment on Al casting alloys

In recent years, improving the mechanical properties of metals has become the main challenge in the modern materials and metallurgical industry. An alloying process is usually used to achieve advanced performance of metals. This paper, however, describes an alternative approach. Modification with ceramic nanoparticles, gas-dynamic treatment (GDT) and a combined treatment were investigated on a hypoeutectic Al-Si A356 alloy. Microstructural studies revealed the refinement of coarse α-Al grains and the formation of distributed eutectic Si particles. Subsequent testing of the mechanical properties revealed improvement after applying each of the treatments. The best results were obtained after modification with TiCN nanoparticles followed by GDT; the tensile strength and elongation of the A356 alloys increased by 18% and 19%, respectively.