Experimental investigations on the development of hybrid metal matrix composite of Al7075 on microstructural, mechanical, and dry sliding aspects

Abstract This research work aims to synthesis hybrid Al7075 metal matrix composite reinforced with sustainable and synthetic reinforcement. With the employment of an ultrasonic transducer, two stage stir-casting is used to synthesis composite materials. The prepared samples were machined and polished for mechanical, tribological, and microstructural characterization. Optical microscopy and Field emission scanning electron microscopy with elemental mapping were used to analyses the microstructure of the composite material. The microstructural examination revealed the homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement particles throughout the matrix. With the incorporation of reinforcement, the synthesized composite's compressive strength and micro-hardness were both increased and highest values are found as to be 569.172 MPa and 178.86 HV respectively in one of the sample (B3 sample) as compared to as-cast Al7075 alloy. Tribological examination of composites samples shows that wear rate enhances with increase in content of reinforcement. Wear resistance of sample B3 is highest among all prepared composite samples. Wear debris, grooves, micro-cracks, and small pits were observed on the worn out surfaces of the samples by FESEM analysis.