STTR PHASE I: Fabrication of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites

小企业技术转移研究（STTR）第一阶段项目将开发一种可靠有效的加工技术，以生产下一代金属基复合材料，该复合材料由分散在铝合金金属基体中的氧化铝或碳化硅纳米颗粒组成。该技术结合了传统搅拌法和最新的高强度超声波处理技术的优点。叶轮搅拌器的使用产生涡流以有效地将较轻的纳米颗粒拉入熔体中。使用高强度超声振动使纳米颗粒簇破碎并将纳米颗粒分散到熔体中。第一阶段项目的成功完成将为金属基纳米复合材料的加工以及在高温和临界条件下应用轻质材料带来突破性技术。 该技术可用于增强铝、镁或其他轻质材料，以取代汽车、电力传输、航空和国防应用中的铁、钢或钛部件，从而显著节省能源、成本和环境效益。 美国运输业继续关注增加轻质合金的使用，以减轻重量和节省能源。

The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop a reliable and effective processing technique to produce a next-generation metal matrix composite comprised of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide nanoparticles dispersed in an aluminum alloy metal matrix. The proposed technology combines the merits of the traditional stirring method and the latest high-intensity ultrasonic processing technology. The use of an impeller stirrer creates a vortex to efficiently pull the lighter nanoparticles into the melt. The use of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration breaks up the nanoparticles clusters and disperses the nanoparticles into the melt. The successful completion of the Phase I project will lead to a breakthrough technology for the processing of metal matrix nanocomposite materials and for the utilization of lightweight materials for applications at elevated temperatures and critical conditions. The technology can be used to reinforce aluminum, magnesium, or other lightweight materials for replacing iron, steel, or titanium components for automotive, power transmission, aviation, and defense applications, leading to significant energy savings, cost savings, and environmental benefits. The U.S. transportation industry continues to focus on the increased use of lightweight alloys for weight and energy savings.