Microstructure, tensile properties and hardness behavior of AL7075 matrix composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets and beryl fabricated by stir casting method

Abstract

In this research, an effort is made to familiarize and best potentials of the reinforcing agent in aluminum 7075 matrices with naturally occurring Beryl (Be) and Graphene (Gr) to develop a new hybrid composite material. A stir casting technique was adopted to synthesize the hybrid nanocomposites. GNPS were added in volume fractions of 0.5wt%, 1wt%, 1.5wt%, and 2wt% and with a fixed volume fraction of 6 wt.% of Beryl. As cast hybrid composites were microstructurally characterized with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microstructure study through scanning electron microscope demonstrated that the homogeneous distribution reinforcement Beryl and GNPs into the Al7075 matrix. Brinell hardness and tensile strength of synthesized materials were investigated. The hybrid Al7075-Beryl-GNPs composites showed better mechanical properties compared with base Al7075 matrix material. The as-cast Al7075-6wt.% Beryl-2wt.%GNPs showed 49.41% improvement in hardness and 77.09% enhancement in ultimate tensile strength over Al7075 alloy.