Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
The SiCp/Al nanocomposites were synthesized under high pressure. The reaction behavior between SiC particles and Al matrix within 2–6 GPa pressure range was determined. The high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) observation and the Vickers microhardness measurement show that the reaction is slight and that the adhesion of SiC particles to the Al matrix is good whether the reaction between them occurred or not. This offers an opportunity to tailor the nanocomposite mechanical properties by adjusting the synthesis temperature, pressure, and volume fraction of SiC particles.