Investigation of Adding Microscopic Slide Glass Nano Particles on the Metallurgical Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Cast Aluminum 7075 Composites

Abstract

Metal matrix composite (MCC) exhibits significantly better properties, like hardness, low density, high tensile strength, and good wear resistance compared to any alloy or other metals. In the present study, the effect of using different proportions (2, 4, 8 and 10 wt.%) of microscopic slide glass nanoparticles (MSGNPs) on the properties of Al-7075 alloy was investigated. The results of the experimental study of the metallurgical characterization and mechanical properties of aluminum MMC that formed by stir casting method were obtained. Stir casting is a process of introducing a reinforcing material into a molten metal by stirring action. Also, the results of the aluminum MMC were compared with those for the base alloy material. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction study (XRD) were carried out to analyze the microstructure and the dispersion of the (MSGNPs) into the composite alloy specimens. Regarding the mechanical properties, the Rockwell hardness gradually increased when the addition of MSGNPs was raised from 0 to 10 wt.%. Additionally, there was a rise in the ultimate tensile strength, peaking at the incorporation rate of 4 wt.% MSGNPs and thereafter, this strength declined. Therefore, the addition of microscopic slide glass nanoparticles to the Al-7075 is virtuous to enhance the properties of this alloy for the engineering application.