Influence of ZrO 2 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.