Study on Mechanical Properties of hBN Reinforced Al-7075 Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

Abstract: Nickel-coated hBN particulate reinforced Al7075 matrix composites were developed using the stir casting technique. Al7075 – hBN composites were subjected to tensile test and heat treatment by solutionizing at a temperature of 550 ℃ for a span of 2 hr and then quenched in water at room temperature. Hardness was measured before starting the aging process and further, compacts were artificially aged in the furnace at temperatures of 100, 150, and 200 ℃ for intervals of 60 min. Results have revealed that nickel-coated hBN particles are uniformly distributed throughout the matrix alloy. Microhardness of Al6061- hBN composites increases with an increase in the percentage of reinforcement. Heat-treated Al-7075+4.5% nickel-coated hBN possesses higher hardness when compared with the Al-7075 alloy composites. Also, the hybrid reinforced composites exhibit excellent tensile properties; as compared with base metal (Al7075) and Al7075+4.5% nickel coated hBN show high Breaking Load and Ultimate Tensile Strength. The current studies focused on strength by varying aged harden treatment for Al7075+4.5% nickel coated hBN and their tensile strength.