Abstract:The nano-sized SiC p /Al-Cu composites were successfully fabricated by combining semisolid stirring with ball milling technology. Microstructures were examined by an olympus optical microscope (OM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Tensile properties were studied at room temperature. The results show that the α-Al dendrites of the composites were strongly refined, especially in the composite with 3 wt. % nano-sized SiC p , of which the morphology of the α-Al changes from 200 µm dendritic crystal to 90 µm much finer equiaxial grain. The strength and ductility of the composites are improved synchronously with the addition of nano-sized SiC p particles. The as-cast 3 wt. % nano-sized SiC p /Al-Cu composite displays the best tensile properties, i.e., the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and fracture strain increase from 175 MPa, 310 MPa and 4.1% of the as-cast Al-Cu alloy to 220 MPa, 410 MPa and 6.3%, respectively. The significant improvement in the tensile properties of the composites is mainly due to the refinement of the α-Al dendrites, nano-sized SiC p strengthening, and good interface combination between the SiC p and Al-Cu alloys.