Microstructure evaluation, thermal and mechanical characterization of hybrid metal matrix composite

Abstract

In this paper, an inert gas assisted electromagnetic stir casting process is adapted for manufacturing a cast hybrid metal matrix composite (MMC) using Al2O3 and SiC particulates as a hard phase reinforcement in Al 7075 alloy metal matrix. Four different samples containing 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% of Al2O3 and SiC with Al 7075 alloy composites were fabricated. The characterizations for all the samples were carried out through optical microstructure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fractograph, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA) analysis and mechanical properties. The results revealed that the particles are uniformly distributed in the matrix. No peaks of Al 4 C 3 were found. There is negligible loss of material in the composite. The tensile strength and microhardness of the hybrid composite are higher by 65.7% and 13.5%, respectively, when compared to its cast metal matrix Al 7075 alloy.