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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Investigation of the independent and combined roles of Gr and ZrO₂ on strengthening behaviour of Al-7075 Composites

  1. Sampath Kumar R Mechanical Engineering Department, Government Polytechnic Hosadurga-577527
  2. H C Chittappa Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Bangalore University, Bangalore
  3. Praveena Bindiganavile Anand Department of Mechanical Engineering Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Yelahanka, Bangalore
  4. Manjunath Vatnalmath Department of Mechanical Engineering, RNS Institute of Technology, Bangalore
  5. Madeva Nagaral Aircraft Research and Design Centre, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of individual and hybrid reinforcements on the mechanical and microstructural behaviour of Al7075 composite fabricated using the 2-step stir-casting technique. Four compositions were made with the base Al-7075, Al-7075 3 weight % ZrO2, and Al-7075 3 weight % Gr as well as a hybrid composite Al7075 with 3 wt.% Gr, 3 wt.% ZrO2. 2-step stir-casting was used to increase the wettability of the particles, decrease agglomeration and to maintain even distribution of the reinforcement particles. The homogenous dispersion of the particulates was observed and the strength of interfaces bonding was ensured by SEM and the success of the incorporations of the reinforcements was confirmed by EDS. Mechanical analysis revealed that the hybrid composite exhibited the highest enhancement in most of the evaluated properties. The yield strength shows a directly improved by +51 Mpa, increasing from 182 MPa to 233 MPa. Relative to the base alloy, hardness, compressive strength, and impact strength exhibit enhancements of 11.8%, 18.1%, and 16.2%, respectively. These enhancements result from the synergistic strengthening and toughening mechanisms activated by the combined addition of Gr and ZrO2 added together. +The originality of the study is a direct comparison of single and hybrid reinforcement strategies under identical processing conditions, supported by SEM–EDS analysis to clarify the relationship between microstructural features and resulting mechanical performance. The resulting Al7075 hybrid composite is especially suitable for aerospace and automotive component, along with wear resistant, where an optimized balance of strength, toughness and reliability is essential.

Keywords

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