Mechanically alloyed Al7075–TiC nanocomposite: Powder processing, consolidation and mechanical strength: Fid-Bau Portal

Mechanically alloyed Al7075–TiC nanocomposite: Powder processing, consolidation and mechanical strength

Azimi, Amin / Shokuhfar, Ali / Nejadseyfi, Omid

Highlights • Al7075–TiC nanocomposite was synthesized by mechanical alloying followed by hot pressing. • Microstructure of obtained powders was characterized during milling. • The effect of milling and hot pressing parameters on mechanical strength was investigated. • Significant enhancements in tensile strength was achieved for Al7075–TiC nanocomposite.

Abstract This work aimed to fabricate high strength Al7075–TiC nanocomposite by mechanical alloying (MA) followed by hot pressing considering preparation parameters. The effect of milling time on the microstructure of the synthesized powder was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, the integrated effects of three major parameters including milling time (10, 30 and 50h), hot pressing temperature (350, 400 and 450°C) and pressure (400, 500 and 600MPa) were investigated on the microhardness. Improved sintering and mechanical properties were achieved by increasing hot pressing temperature and pressure; while rising temperature over 400°C resulted in reduced hardness due to severe grain growth during hot pressing. More interestingly, influence of milling time on the mechanical properties was strongly depended on the hot pressing pressure value. Furthermore, tensile strength of ∼725MPa was obtained by consolidation under optimal parameters.