Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Al-Zn-Cu Alloy/SiC/TiB2 Hybrid Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite using Top Loaded Bottom Pouring Stir Casting Method

In this study, AA7075/SiC/TiB2 hybrid composites were fabricated using the top-loaded bottom-pouring stir-casting route. The primary reinforcement, silicon carbide (SiC), and the secondary reinforcement, titanium diboride (TiB2), were used in weight percentages of 0-12% and 3%, respectively. The effect of reinforcement addition on the microstructure, physical, mechanical, and tribological properties of the hybrid composites was investigated using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), as well as tensile, compression, hardness, and wear testing machine. The results showed that the addition of SiC and TiB2 reinforcement materials can significantly enhance the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, compressive strength, and hardness of the hybrid composite, with a maximum increment of 21.86%, 20.33%, 46.32%, and 32.56%, respectively, compared to unreinforced AA7075 alloy. The microstructure results indicated a homogeneous particle dispersion in the molten matrix. The SiC and TiB2-reinforced AA7075 matrix composites present an excellent choice for automotive, aerospace, and marine applications.