Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AA7075 Aluminum Alloy Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

AA7075 aluminum alloy is widely used for several high-technology applications for its high mechanical strength to weight ratio but is still the subject of several studies seeking a further increase in its mechanical properties. A commercial powder is used, either as-received or after ball-milling. Dense AA7075 samples are prepared in one step by Spark Plasma Sintering, at 550 degrees C with a holding time of 15 min and a uniaxial pressure of 100 MPa. No additional heat treatment is performed. Laser granulometry, X-ray diffraction and optical- and scanning electron microscopy show that both grain size and morphology are preserved in the dense samples, due to the relatively low temperature and short sintering time used. The samples prepared using the ball-milled powder exhibit both higher Vickers microhardness and transverse fracture strength values than those prepared using the raw powder, reflecting the finer microstructure.