Investigating the mechanical properties of al7075 metal matrix composite with improved performance through the incorporation of fe3o4 and RHS

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, KG Reddy College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, 501501, India.
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, CMR College of Engineering & Technology (Autonomous), Hyderabad. Hyderabad - 501xxx, India.
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malla Reddy Engineering College and Management Sciences, Hyderabad - 501401, India.
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vardhaman College of Engineering, and Technology Hyderabad - 501218, India
⁵ Department of CSE, GRIET, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
⁶ Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India.

^* Corresponding author: a.seshappa@kgr.ac.in

Abstract

Heavily employed in engineering, Metal Matrix Composites are the primary focus of this research. Metal Matrix Composites have much improved mechanical properties and find extensive use across several sectors, including automotive and aerospace. The experiment entails using aluminium (Al7075) as the base material and incorporating iron oxide and RHS in weight ratios of 3%, 6%, and 9% to fabricate a strengthened Metal Matrix Composite. The stir-casting technique is used for the fabrication of these composites. The stir casting technology is selected because to its advantages, including its straightforward manufacturing process, cost efficiency, and reliable distribution of reinforced particles. The Fe₃O₄ reinforcing particle and RHS have a significant impact on the engineering material properties. The examination revealed enhancements in mechanical properties, including tensile, compression, and hardness strengths. The tensile strength of the 9% wt. reinforced Fe₃O₄ and RHS is found to be the highest at 362 MPa, while the yield strength is measured at 262 MPa, when compared to the original Al- 7075 alloy. Furthermore, the recently manufactured Al7075/Fe₃O₄ and RHS Metal Matrix Composite were subjected to microstructural examinations using SEM and EDS methodologies. The investigations demonstrated a uniform and homogeneous dispersion of Fe₃O₄and RHS reinforced particles inside the composite material.