1. Project 13 Proposal, October 111 Project 13: Nanodispersion Strengthened Aluminium Luke N. Fischer Faculty Supervisor: Professor Rishi Raj Co-Supervisor: Dr Atanu Saha Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Colorado at Boulder

2. Project 13 Proposal, October 112 What is Nanodispersion Strengthened Aluminium?  Particle reinforced MMC.  Nano-scale particle distribution – mean particle diameter in the order of 10nm.  Particle matrix interactions occur on the atomic or molecular level.  System to be Investigated: Al-matrix/SiCN particles  SiCN ceramic derived from Ceraset © polymer precursor. SiCN Particle Aluminium Matrix L

3. Project 13 Proposal, October 113 Why Research Nanodispersion Strengthened Aluminium?  Goal: To achieve improved mechanical properties of composite compared with pure aluminium.  Relatively light weight of aluminium retained.  Particles stable at high service temperatures unlike aged hardened aluminium alloys (e.g. Al-Cu system).  Some potential applications: aerospace, automotive, sporting goods.

4. Project 13 Proposal, October 114  Plastic deformation in metals result of movement of dislocation lines under applied stress.  Key mechanism is Orowan strengthening:  Particles impede motion of dislocations  Goal: Finest dispersion possible. How does Nanodisperion Strengthening Work?

5. Project 13 Proposal, October 115 Basic Experimental Method Key Points of the Experimental Method: 1.A control sample (pure aluminium) for every dispersion hardened sample. 2.Microhardness principal method of characterization. 3.Optical microscopy and/or TEM microscopy to be used. Consolidation of Sample Using Powder Metallurgy: Technique A:  Mixing of fine powders then consolidated in heated uni-axial press – initial composition 10% SiCN by volume. Technique B:  Ceraset depositions on aluminium granules via solvent evaporation, consolidated as above.

6. Project 13 Proposal, October 116 In Summary  Motivation: To obtain improved mechanical properties while maintaining weight advantage of aluminium;  Orowan strengthening mechanism: finer dispersion = higher strength;  Samples to be consolidated using “hot- press” powder metallurgy;  End goal is to publish conclusive results on Al/SiCN system. Thank you for your time…