Enhancement Of Mechanical Properties In AA 7075 Alloys Reinforced With Tic And Graphite Using Stir Casting

Abstract

This research work focused on the fabrication of Al7075-based metal matrix composites reinforced with 1 wt.% Titanium Carbide (TiC) and varying amounts of graphite (1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 5 wt.%) using the stir casting technique. The produced composites were thoroughly characterized through mechanical testing methods such as tensile and hardness tests, along with microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The dispersion of TiC ceramic particles within the ductile Al7075 aluminium matrix was found to be uniform, with effective bonding at the particle matrix interface. This uniform distribution and strong interfacial bonding contributed to significant improvements in both mechanical and surface properties when compared to the monolithic Al7075 alloy. The composite with optimal reinforcement content exhibited enhanced tensile properties, achieving an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 134.2 MPa, a yield strength of 119.4 MPa, an elongation of 3.2%, and a hardness value of 248 HRC.