Influence of ZrO2 nano particles on the behavior of mechanical and tribological properties of the AA7075 composite

Abstract

A well-known AA7075 alloy used for most of the structural, aerospace, and automobile applications due to its excellent properties such as high strength, corrosion-resistant, and low density. To encourage industrialists, the physical and mechanical properties of the composite has to improve by reinforcing hard ceramic particles. In this investigation varying wt.% of hard ZrO2 (zirconium dioxide) particles (0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 wt.%) are reinforced in AA7075 matrix alloy to form a composite. Motorized stir casting technique induced to distribute reinforcement particles homogeneously. The SEM micrographs reveal that uniform distribution of ZrO2 particles can be achieved after inducing motorized stir casting technique into the molten composite. The experimental test results revealed that the addition of ZrO2 particles enhanced the hardness and tensile strength of the AA7075/ZrO2 composite as compared to base matrix material. Among all composites, AA7075/1.5ZrO2 show higher hardness and strength.