The effect of TaC and NbC hybrid and mono-nanoparticles on AA2024 nanocomposites: Microstructure, strengthening, and artificial aging

Abstract

The present work successfully incorporated the composite surface matrices of tantalum carbide (TaC) and niobium carbide (NbC) hybrids and mono-nanoparticles into wrought AA2024 using friction stir processing (FSP). The mechanical, electrical, and microstructural properties were analyzed and evaluated. The microstructure of the refined grains created during the FSP process was observed using polarized optical microscopy. Elongated grains were refined and equiaxed 33 times. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses showed good dispersion of the reinforcement nanoparticles in the base matrix. The mechanical properties of the hybrid AA2024/TaC_NbC nanocomposites, thus, the ultimate compressive stress showed an improvement of about 15.2, 16.7, and 20.6%, respectively, compared to the base alloy. Aging time significantly affected the hardness behavior of the hybrid nanocomposites; hence, a maximum value of 73% was reached compared to the base alloy. At the same time, the thermal expansion coefficient and electrical conductivity were reduced by 38.5 and 19.5%, respectively.