This book describes the latest efforts to develop aluminumnanocomposites with enhanced damping and mechanical properties and good
workability. The nanocomposites exhibited high strength, improved damping
behavior and good ductility, making
them suitable for use as wires. Since the production of metal matrix
nanocomposites by conventional melting processes is considered extremely problematic (because of the poor wettability of
the nanoparticles), different powder metallurgy routes were investigated,
including high-energy ball milling and unconventional compaction methods.
Special attention was paid
to the structural
characterization at the micro- and nanoscale, as uniform nanoparticle dispersion in metal matrix
is of prime importance. The aluminum nanocomposites displayed an ultrafine microstructure
reinforced with alumina nanoparticles produced in situ or added ex situ. The
physical, mechanical and functional characteristics of the materials produced were evaluated using different mechanical tests
and microstructure investigation techniques. The book presents and discusses the experimental results in
detail, and offers suggestions for future research directions.

State
of the Art of Metal Matrix Nanocomposites.- Experimental methods.-
Consolidations of Al powder and dry Al2O3 nanoparticles.- Consolidation of Al
powder and colloidal suspension of Al2O3 nanoparticles after 2 h ball milling.-
Consolidation of Al powder and colloidal suspension of Al2O3 nanoparticles
after 16 h ball milling.- Consolidation of Al powder and colloidal suspension
of Al2O3 nanoparticles after 24 h ball milling.- Consolidation of micro- and
nano-sized Al powder.- Conclusions