Investigation of flexural and impact strength of carbon nanotube reinforced AA7075 metal matrix

Abstract

Metal matrix nano-composites are grabbing more attention by many researchers in the recent years as they exhibit outstanding properties when compared to pure metal alloys. In the present study Aluminium Alloy 7075 was selected as the matrix and carbon nanotubes was selected as reinforcing element to investigate the percentage enhancement of flexural strength and impact strength of metal matrix composite. Stir casting process was selected to fabricate the specimens. The multi walled carbon nanotubes with different weight percentages (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 wt %) were selected to prepare the AA7075-CNT metal matrix composite. Microstructure and dispersion of CNT was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDX. The experimental results of mechanical tests showed that if the MWCNTs particle content increases considerably flexural strength and impact strength also increases about 125% and 90% respectively. Thus the AA7075-CNT metal matrix can be used in automobile and aerospace applications under high load conditions.

Synthesis, characterization, and mechanical properties of Al–Zn–Mg alloy-based hybrid metal matrix composites reinforced with Si3N4/TiB2 particles processed through stir casting technique

“…18 This preheating step is used to enhance wettability, eliminate moisture content, and remove surface impurities. 12 The experimental setup for the stir casting process is employed to develop the AA7075/Si 3 N 4 /TiB 2 HMMCs as shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 displays the stir casting furnace used in the HMMCs fabrication.…”

“…The optimization of the weight fraction of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles in the composite is crucial for achieving optimal mechanical behavior. Ghazanlou and Eghbali 11 and Rao et al 12 highlighted the effect of the type of reinforcement used in AA7075 metal matrix composites on mechanical properties. The experiment found that Al7075/CNT composites have better mechanical properties than the Al7075/GNP composites, while the incorporation of CNTs led to a significant improvement in impact and flexural strength by 125% and 90%, respectively, compared to the base alloy.…”