Characterization on properties of Al7050/TiC/BN hybrid metal matrix composite

Abstract

Aluminum alloy and its allied composites are gaining popularity and find their exclusive application in all industries for more than two decades. Due to their increased usage, Al metal matrix composites were experimented by reinforcing them with variety of particles. The current study attempted the use of titanium carbide (TiC) and boron nitride (BN) as reinforcing materials for the Al7050 alloy through the stir casting technique. The percentage of reinforcement of TiC was kept constant as 8% by wt., and the BN was varied as 2% and 3% by wt. Mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact energy, microhardness (Vickers), the microstructure were studied using an optical microscope and by corrosion tests using polarization techniques. The results conclude that the Al hybrid composite with 8% TiC and 3% BN provides superior performance.