High elevated temperature strength nano aluminum-matrix-composite alloy and the method to make the same

Abstract

A novel and unique nano aluminum-matrix-composite alloy that has higher strength between room temperature and 200 degrees C. than those of prior art aluminum alloys and prior art aluminum-matrix-composites. The composite alloy has improved fatigue resistance, wear resistance, a lower coefficient of thermal expansion and higher modules than prior art aluminum alloys.

1 . A nano aluminum-matrix-composite alloy comprising: high strength at high temperature, high wear resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion and high modules, with a matrix phase, a nano phase and a modular phase, wherein said matrix phase consists of a weight percent of the matrix phase of 1.0 to 5.0 percent copper, 0.8 to 2.0 percent magnesium, maximum 0.5 percent manganese, 0.01 to 1.5 percent iron, 0.01 to 1.4 percent nickel, 0.1 to 1.2 percent silicon, 0.01 to 0.12 percent titanium, a maximum of 0.05 percent of other elements, and the remainder being aluminum. 
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . The nano aluminum-matrix-composite alloy in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said nano phase comprises a weight percent of the matrix phase of 0.2 to 5 percent nano aluminum oxide. 
   
   
       4 . The nano aluminum-matrix-composite alloy in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said modular phase comprises a weight percent of the nano aluminum matrix composite alloy of 10 to 30 percent micro-size ceramic. 
   
   
       5 . The nano aluminum-matrix-composite alloy in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said micro size ceramic has an average particle size of 3 to 30 microns and is selected from the group comprising silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, boron carbide and titanium carbide. 
   
   
       6 . The nano aluminum-matrix-composite alloy in accordance with  claim 1 , which is produced by a powder metallurgy process.