Investigation on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Fracture Morphology of Al7075/TiB2 Composites

Composites are versatile materials that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and construction. This study focuses on investigating how the amount of titanium-di-boride (TiB2) particles (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%) affects the physical, mechanical, microstructural, and fracture properties of Al7075/TiB2 composites produced using a liquid-state stir-casting process. The addition of TiB2 particles increases the hardness and tensile strength of the Al7075 alloy. This has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, which showed that these particles are dispersed throughout the aluminum matrix. The hardness increases from 60 HV to 90 HV and the tensile strength increases from 140 MPa to 211 MPa. The significance of increased wettability brought about by the addition of magnesium powder and the preheating of a ceramic reinforcement before pouring molten metal was revealed by scanning electron micrographs of the cast composites, which showed an even dispersal of reinforcements in the aluminum matrix, establishing the strong connection between the matrix and the reinforcement agents. Fracture surface scanning electron microscopy revealed that micro-void formation and nucleation in Al7075/TiB2 composites resulted in ductile material paves a way for manufacturing innovation.