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.