Microwave-assisted T6 heat treating of aluminium alloy-Al₂O₃ nanocomposites

Blending ultrafine-grained microstructure with other added reinforcement elements that can provide good strength-microstructural integrity is the primary metallurgical target for any developed composite to exhibit its maximum strength at reduced cost and energy in aerospace application. Such nano-reinforced aluminium alloy composites are processed through the addition of nano alumina using powder metallurgy route followed by microwave-assisted T6 heat treatment. Homogeneous nucleation by increasing the activation energy at the grain interface by the addition of nano alumina resulted in ultrafine-grained microstructure and significantly enhanced the mechanical properties like microhardness and strength of the fabricated nanocomposites. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]