Synthesis and Characterization of Zircon/Graphite and Flyash/Graphite Reinforced Aluminium7075 Alloy: A Comparative Study

In this paper, a comparative study of the mechanical properties and microstructures of two different particulate reinforced hybrid composites of Aluminium 7075 - Flyash and Zircon is conducted. Graphite is the chosen as the minor reinforcement for both the composites. The composites were fabricated by stir casting process, by varying the wt% of Zircon and Flyash from 3% to 7% at a step size of 2 wt%. Tensile strength and micro hardness analysis were carried out using Universal Testing Machine and Vickers Hardness Tester respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope image was used for microstructural study. Results indicate that the hardness of Zircon reinforced Aluminium 7075 alloy is increased to 5% with reinforcement, but the tensile strength reduces beyond 7% reinforcement. The tensile strength of the Flyash reinforced composite increases with increase in wt% of reinforcement, but hardness declines beyond 7% addition of reinforcements. The amount of porosity and density is increased due to non-wettability and high density of Zircon. Tensile strength increases with increase in wt% of reinforcement, but hardness declines beyond 7% addition of reinforcements. The amount of porosity and density is increased due to non-wettability and high density of Zircon.