Abstract
This study investigates the effect of casting methods, content and size of reinforcing particles and heat treatment on the mechanical properties of A356-Al₂O₃ composite. First, composite samples were made by three methods: gravity sand casting, squeeze casting and semi-solid compo casting, and then some of them were subjected to the T6 heat treatment. Test specimens were extracted from the samples, and their tensile and yield strength, elongation, and porosity were measured, analyzed, and compared. In addition, the microstructures of composites made by nano and micro scale reinforcing particles were studied and compared. It was concluded that the superior mechanical properties were obtained in samples made by semi-solid compo casting using nanoscale reinforcing secondary phase and subjected to the T6 heat treatment.

Key words
gravity casting, squeeze casting, semi-solid, compo-casting, nano, aluminum

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