From metal chips to composite: Effect of age-hardening on mechanical and wear properties of Al2O3 reinforced AA7075 composites

Aluminum metal matrix composites were used in various fields such as aircraft, underwater, automobile, aerospace. Several fabrication techniques were used for the production of these composites. Among the various methods, the powder metallurgy route provides dimensional accuracy and high production rates. In this paper, metal matrix composites that include 7075 aluminum alloy chips and Al2O3 particles were produced by using a hot pressing. The effect of reinforcement amount and T6 heat treatment on the mechanical and wear properties of the composites were investigated. Al2O3 particles were added by weight of 5, 10 and 15 % and the composites were produced by hot pressing. T6 heat treatment consisted of a solution treatment at 480°C for 2 h and artificially aging process at 120°C for 24 h. Wear resistance of the composites was determined by a ball-on-disc dry sliding wear test. Brinell Hardness of the composites tended to increase with the increasing Al2O3 reinforcement up to 10 wt.% and with T6 treating. Particle reinforcement improved the wear resistance up to 10 wt.% Al2O3. In addition, volumetric material loss tended to decrease after the aging process.