| The present paper introduces the production route of a new nanostructured zink-ferrite-reinforced aluminium alloy. By high-energy ball milling (Simoloyer), a powder mixture consisting of commercial 5083 aluminum and zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) was mechanically alloyed. The resulting composite flakes contain the zink ferrite as small precipitates. After direct hot extrusion compact cylindrical rods were obtained of approximately 200-250 nm grain size. First results of mechanical testing reveal the potential of this kind of nanostructured Al alloys: The yield strength was increased up to 500 MPa at reasonable ductility values (elongation to fracture between 5 and 9%). It is believed that the fine-dispersed ceramic particles stabilize the microstructure even at elevated temperature, allowing for production of high-strength creep-resistant aluminium alloys. |
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