Fabrication and Characterization of AA7075 Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced With MWCNT

Abstract

Many engineering applications requires components with light weight property as well as good mechanical properties, this requirement can be served by the Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) of Aluminum due to its outstanding performance. In the current research work an attempt has been made to fabricate the Aluminum metal matrix composite by liquid route i.e. stir casting. Aluminum Alloy (AA) 7075 is used as a matrix which is reinforced with Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) with varying percentage (0wt%, 0.25wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.75wt%). Experiments were carried out to analyze microstructure, micro hardness and the other mechanical properties like tensile strength and Impact strength. Also the samples were studied under Optical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to investigate the dispersion of MWCNT in AA7075. Microscopic study of 0.25wt%, 0.5wt% & 0.75wt% samples shows a good dispersion of MWCNT into AA7075. Hardness of material increases by 6%, 12% and 25% for 0.25wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.75wt% respectively thus hardness increase with increase of MWCNT percentage. Ultimate tensile strength of material increases with increase in percentage of MWCNT and%Elongation reduces. Impact strength of material increases with increase in percentage of MWCNT.