Experimental investigation on coconut shell charcoal and boron carbide zirconium dioxide reinforcements in aluminium 7075 matrix composites under different operating conditions

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have gained significant attention across various industrial sectors due to their exceptional mechanical properties, including high strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. These qualities make them highly suitable for high-performance applications. In particular, aluminum-based MMCs have attracted special interest due to their high specific strength, low density, and excellent machinability. Moreover, the incorporation of ceramic reinforcements such as silicon carbide (SiC), alumina (Al2O3), boron nitride (BN), titania (TiO2), boron carbide (B4C), and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) has been proven to considerably enhance the mechanical and wear properties of Al MMCs. newlineAluminium 7075 is a high-strength aluminium alloy widely used in aerospace, automotive and other engineering applications. The mechanical properties of Al 7075 can be further enhanced by developing Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) reinforced with ceramic particulates. Common ceramic particulates used are boron carbide (B4C) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) which improve strength, stiffness and wear resistance. The incorporation of hard ceramic particulates like B4C and ZrO2 in Al7075 can tailor its properties. B4C particulates are added to improve hardness and wear resistance whereas ZrO2 particulates enhance strength and fracture toughness. Uniform distribution of these particulates in the Al matrix is essential to achieve optimal properties. The volume fraction of these ceramic particulates is generally kept below 20% to avoid agglomeration newline