Synergistic strengthening of aluminum matrix composites reinforced by SiC nanoparticles and carbon fibers

Abstract A novel method for uniformly introducing SiC nanoparticles (SiCnp) and carbon fibers (Cf) into aluminum matrix was developed and the experimental reference was provided for the fabrication and mechanical properties of SiCnp and Cf synergistically reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiCnp–Cf/Al composites). The microstructure revealed that the SiCnp and Cf were uniformly introduced in the Al matrix and the structure of SiCnp–Cf/Al composites is dense. Compared with single SiCnp reinforced aluminum matrix composites, the tensile strength and Vickers hardness of SiCnp–Cf/Al composites were increased by 71% and 88%, respectively. The enhancement is due to synergistic strengthening effect of SiCnp and Cf.