Modeling, Optimization and Performance Evaluation of TiC/Graphite Reinforced Al 7075 Hybrid Composites Using Response...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgical Engineering

Background:

• Growing demand for lightweight, high-performance materials in automotive and aerospace industries.
• Aluminum hybrid composites offer a promising alternative to conventional materials due to their tunable properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the microhardness and microstructural characteristics of Al 7075-TiC-Gr hybrid composites.
• Optimize the composition and processing parameters for enhanced material properties.

Main Methods:

• Powder metallurgy technique used to fabricate composites with varying TiC content (0-7 wt.%) and fixed Gr (1 wt.%).
• Microstructural analysis via optical microscopy, SEM, XRD, and EDS elemental mapping.
• Box-Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology (RSM) for modeling and optimization of density and microhardness.

Main Results:

• Density and microhardness of the composites increased with higher TiC weight percentages.
• Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed the significant impact of process variables on material properties.
• Optimal conditions for maximum density and microhardness determined as 6.79 wt.% TiC, 626.13 °C, and 300 MPa.

Conclusions:

• The addition of TiC significantly improves the mechanical properties of Al 7075-Gr composites.
• The developed empirical model accurately predicts density and microhardness based on process parameters.
• The study provides valuable insights for the development of advanced aluminum composites for demanding applications.