Effect of rock powder on the mechanical properties of AL7075 metal matrix composites

Abstract

Materials with light weight, high strength, high stiffness, and superior mechanical properties are required by modern technology. A metal matrix composite's (MMC) mechanical properties determine its potential as a structural material. To study the impact of particulate weight fraction on mechanical properties, a systematic investigation must be conducted. By the stir casting method, there is preparation of the metal matrix; we use aluminium (Al7075) with quarry rock dust powder by combining 0%, 5%, and 7.5% aluminium and rock powder during the casting process We investigated the mechanical properties of the metal matrix using hardness, bending, and a pin-on-disc wear test. The test specimen was machined as per ASTM standards. The results reveal that the hardness of the specimen has gradually increased at the limit of 5 wt.% of quarry rock powder with Al7075, but after increasing the reinforcement to 7.5 wt.%, the hardness of the specimen has gradually decreased. The wear test reveals that the wear rate is gradually decreased at the limit of 5 wt.% of quarry rock powder with Al7075. After increasing the reinforcement to 7.5 wt.%, the wear rate is gradually increased. The bending test reveals that the bending force of the specimen is gently increased instead of the inclusion of reinforcement with the aluminium metal matrix 7075.