Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Behaviour of AA7075/TiB₂ Composite

Abstract:

Titanium Boride (TiB₂) particles reinforced with aluminum alloy (AA 7075) composites were developed using the two-step stir casting method. TiB₂ with aluminium alloy was varied in 5, 10, 15 weight percentages (wt.%) . The mechanical properties of the composites were assessed through density, hardness, tensile and impact. Factography observations were also evaluated with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and phase identification of the composite was carried out through X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The XRD pattern of alloy and composites revealed peaks of Al and TiB₂ particles and the intensity of TiB₂ particles increased with increase in wt. %. Compared to the base matrix, the density and hardness of composites increased with the wt. % of TiB₂. Addition of TiB₂ particles exhibited grain refinement, thereby improving the mechanical properties. Composite materials exhibited high load bearing capacity due to the strong bonding of TiB₂ and matrix material resulting in increased impact energy. The tensile strength of the composite increased with increasing wt. % of reinforcement. The failure in the composites observed were dimpled structure and ridges, voids, and cracks.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 979)
• Pages: 40-46
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.979.40
• Online since: March 2020
• Authors: P. Loganathan, A. Gnanavelbabu*, K. Rajkumar, S. Ayyanar
• Keywords: Composite Materials, Failure, Hardness, SEM, TiB₂, XRD

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