This study aims to investigate the quasi-static and high strain rate deformation of an aluminumbased metal matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 nanoparticles. The addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles with an optimal weight percentage increased the strength and energy absorption capacity of the composite material. The deformation characteristics of the material were found to be strain rate sensitive. It was concluded that the usage of an optimal weight percentage of nanoparticles results in a markedly higher energy absorption capacity in a variety of strain rates of deformation. Moreover, the energy absorption capacity of the present metal matrix composites increased significantly at the higher strain rates of deformation. It was found that the excessive addition of nanoparticles to the metal matrix decreases the energy absorption capacity as well as strain rate sensitivity of the composite material.

The effects of variation in aluminium oxide nanoparticles in aluminium-based metal matrix composite on the compressive and sliding wear deformation have been investigated. The compressive and sliding wear resistance of the composite increase significantly with the addition of nanoparticles in the matrix. The 5% aluminium oxide nanoparticles in the composite were found to be the optimal weight fraction of added nanoparticles that produced higher static yield strength, hardness, scratch resistance and lower material loss in wear in the composite. The addition of nanoparticles, beyond 5% weight fraction, in the matrix showed adverse effects in the performance of the composite due to its higher brittleness. The effects on wear properties of the composite with added nanoparticles beyond optimal weight fraction were more detrimental than those with lower weight fraction of nanoparticles.

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