The Stretch, Limit and Path Forward for Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites of 7075 Al-Alloys

Abstract

Al-based metal matrix composites [MMCs] have been the research interest of a wide spectrum of material scientists throughout the world for some over two decades now. The present paper has chosen one alloy system namely the 7xxx series and from an extensive literature review concluded that since the beginning of the new millennium nothing note worthy has been added to the knowledge already gained in the last quarter of the last century except confirm the earlier findings that MMCs if properly fabricated by choosing the processing route and with appropriate size and volume fraction of dispersoids can improve most of the mechanical, corrosion and wear resistant properties of the base alloy. The author's own research activities using this alloy system for making MMCs that include attempts to improve upon the properties by making composites, ageing and also secondary processing have been included. An attempt has been made to establish the stretch to which improvement is possible in the alloy system by making composites and trying all other routes known for meaningful improvement in properties. Further, the way forward for such particulate composites has been drawn to realise the material scientists' dream of seeing such MMCs as engineering components. For this, the areas which now need research include mass production of composites, focus on its machining, joining, processing as also reduction in the size of dispersoids are some of the areas that have been identified and discussed in the paper.

Experimental investigation of the effect of processing parameters on densification, microstructure and hardness of selective laser melted 7075 aluminium alloy

“…The properties of SLM made samples are influenced by the selection of key parameters which include scan speed, hatch distance, laser power and layer thickness [23]. The SLM made samples are also affected by powder characteristics such as particle size, distribution, shape, and alloying elements [24]. Hanzl et al [25] in their research emphasized the need for proper parameter selection to improve the properties of the manufactured component by selective laser melting (SLM) technology.…”

Archives of Foundry Engineering

“…For its relatively high specific strength, lightweight and good heat transfer capability the high porosity open cell aluminum matrix composites (AMC) are extremely desired for various structural and functional applications in the modern industry [7].The aluminum and nickel-based alloys are the most commercially available materials for liquid metal infiltration process [5]. The most often aluminum alloys applied as matrix are A356, 2000 and 6000 alloys [8].…”

Mechanical characterization of precipitation hardened Al7075-grey cast iron powder reinforced metal matrix composites

“…Sieving and grinding cycles is repeated till the required quantity of uniform grade of particles are obtained. The particles were seived through ASTM-140 sieve to obtain uniform grade of particles of average size 50 μm [18].…”

“…Chopped fibers can produce significant property enhancement in the two dimensionally in the direction of their orientation, at moderate cost. MMCs provide moderate but isotropic properties [15][16][17][18][19].…”