Ravikumar M et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.

02

Focussed on Structural Integrity and Safety: Experimental and Numerical Perspectives

Experimental studies of different quenching media on mechanical

and wear behavior of Al7075/SiC/Al2O3 hybrid composites

M. Ravikumar
Department of Mechanical Engineering, R L Jalappa Institute of Technology, Bangalore (R), Karnataka, India
[email protected]

H. N. Reddappa
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
[email protected]

R. Suresh*
Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore-560058,
Karnataka, India.
[email protected]

M. Sreenivasa Reddy
Department of Mechanical Engineering, R L Jalappa Institute of Technology, Bangalore (R), Karnataka, India
[email protected]

ABSTRACT. The effects of SiC (Silicon Carbide) - Al2O3 (Aluminium Oxide)

particle in the Al alloy on the mechanical and wear characteristics of stir-casted
Composites have been reported. The Al7075 is reinforced with 2, 4, 6 and 8 Citation: Ravikumar, M., Reddappa, H.N.,
wt. % of reinforcements (SiC + Al2O3) to manufacture the hybrid composite. Suresh, R., Sreenivasareddy, M., Experimental
studies of different quenching media on
Ceramic particulates were added into Al alloy to achieve the low wear rate and mechanical and wear behavior of
improved mechanical properties. Hardening of cast specimens was done at Al7075/SiC/Al2O3 hybrid composites, 55
(2021) 20-31.
480ºC for the duration of 2 hrs and the specimens were quenched into two
different quenching media (water and ice cubes). Finally, age-hardening was Received: 27.07.2020
Accepted: 16.10.2020
carried out at the temperature of 160ºC for the duration of 4 hrs and cooled Published: 01.01.2021
at room temperature. The tensile strength, hardness and wear behaviour of
Copyright: © 2021 This is an open access
MMCs (metal matrix composites) were evaluated on the un-treated and heat article under the terms of the CC-BY 4.0,
treated composite. The tensile strength and hardness of MMCs increased by which permits unrestricted use, distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, provided the
incorporating SiC-Al2O3 particulates. The wear behaviour of the MMCs original author and source are credited.
containing SiC-Al2O3 particulates revealed high wear-resistance. The heat-
treatment had considerably improved the properties when compared to the
non-heat treated composites. The composites with the highest tensile
strength, hardness and enhanced wear resistance were found in the
composites quenched in ice cubes. Worn-out surfaces of the composite

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 M. Ravikumar et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

specimens were studied by using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and

EDS (Electron Dispersion Spectroscopy) analyses.

KEYWORDS. Al 7075; MMCs; Heat treatment; Tensile; Hardness; Wear rate.

INTRODUCTION

C omposites, "materials in which two or more constituents are combined to create a material with properties different
from that of either constituent," have been in existence for 1000 of years. Al-based MMCs are a valuable addition
in the area of newer materials for a high performance application. The composites have better properties than the
matrix. The properties include abrasion resistance, improved thermal conductivity, tribology, dimensional stability, creep
resistance and good stiffness [1]. Interpretation of the materials is generally subjected to optimal choice of reinforcing
materials. Ceramic particulates can be reinforced into light metal alloys like aluminium (Al), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn),
magnesium (Mg) and stainless steel for additional weight reduction. The hard ceramic particulates such as Al2O3, SiC, MgO,
SiO2 and B4C in the aluminium matrix alloy are frequently used as reinforcement materials to improve its mechanical
properties [2]. The possible responses between the ceramic particulates and the Al alloy at high temperatures are very
essential. This phenomenon has a substantial effect on the stipulations of the interface and second phase. It is clear that, a
better bonding at the interface among the reinforcements and the base matrix has a considerable impact on mechanical
behaviour of the MMCs [3]. Due to its significant strength-to-density, weight ratio, high modulus, wear resistance, strength
values, and easy availability, ceramic particles can be used as reinforcement particles in composites [2]. Ceramic compounds
like SiC, Al2O3, etc., and carbon allotropes can be used to reinforce Al, Mg, Cu and alloys [4]. Among other parameters, wt.
% of Al2O3 and SiC can influence mechanical properties of Al MMCs. Incorporating of Al2O3 to Al shows enhancement
of mechanical and tribological properties in composites [5]. Addition of Al2O3, SiC and B4C particulates reinforced in Al
will enhance the mechanical and tribological behaviour and ductility reduces. The wt. % of reinforcements (Al2O3 & SiC)
and heat-treatment for enhancing the mechanical and tribological properties of composites were reported. As compared to
monolithic alloy, addition of hard reinforcements such as Al2O3, TiC, B4C and SiC to matrix alloy enhance the hardness and
reduces the wear rate [6]. Reinforcing Al alloys with ceramic particulates such as SiC or Al2O3 causes a considerable
improvement in mechanical properties over conventional Al alloys, like improving strength and wear resistance. Though,
these reinforcements have considerably reduced ductility when compared to alloys [7]. Al composite processing method
entails using of Al as the matrix with adding particles to form MMCs. It is revealed that, the conventional processing
methods such as stir casting, powder metallurgy, spray deposition process, vacuum hot pressing and squeeze casting
methods can be adopted for the fabrication of composites [1]. The liquid metallurgy method is a good inexpensive technique
for fabrication of MMCs. By the various liquid metallurgy procedures stir casting method can be utilized for production of
ceramic particulates reinforced hybrid composites [2]. The stir casting technique is chosen because it is simple and
economical and also it can be easily monitored [1]. Composites fabricated by stir casting method have certain advantages
such as faster manufacturing rate and near net shapes can be achieved when compared to solid state methods [8].
Subramanya Reddy et al. [9] researched on Al MMCs produced by the stir casting method with varying wt. % of silicon
carbide and boron carbide. Mechanical properties were studied and it was revealed that the hybrid MMCs had better
properties as compared to pure Al due to the existence of the carbide particles in the composite. Rajesh and Sudhir [10]
researched on Al-SiC reinforced composites. The results concluded that the silicon carbide particles form barricades which
hinder the dislocation motion. This supports to enhance the tensile strength and hardness of MMCs. Manoj Singla et al.
[11] researched on the hardness of SiC reinforced metal matric composites. Various wt. % of SiC (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%,
25% and 30%) were adopted to produce MMCs by stir casting method. The outcomes revealed that the hardness in the
MMCs enhanced with increase in the wt. % of SiC particles. Sharma et al [12] studied the effect of SiC reinforcement on
wear behavior of ZA27 alloy MMCs. The results revealed that unreinforced alloy have higher wear rate when compared to
composites and by increasing wt. % of reinforcements, the wear rate decreased. The increase in hardness and comparatively
high percentage of elongation which leads to work hardening seems to be responsible for increase in UTS (Ultimate Tensile
Strength) of Al-Al2O3 MMCs [13]. The fabrication of Al composites with different weight percentages of Al2O3 particles
was processed by liquid metallurgy route. It revealed that the Al-Al2O3 composites have a higher tensile strength than
aluminium alloy with reduced ductility. It was found that an increase in the Al2O3 content in Al alloy contributed to
enhancing the hardness of the composites [14]. Surappa and Rohatgi [13] studied the mechanical properties of Al alloy
reinforced by Al2O3. It was found that the increase in hardness of MMCs might be attributed to the comparatively high
hardness of alumina compared with aluminium. Yılmaz and Buytoz [6] researched on the wear characteristics of Al2O3

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Ravikumar M et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

reinforced aluminum MMCs. The results revealed that the wear rates decreased rapidly by increasing the wt. % of Al2O3.
Abdel-Azim et al. [15] in his research, applied vortex method process to produce Al-Al2O3 composites. It was revealed that
the addition of alumina particles improved the wear resistance and also increased the COF (Coefficient of Friction). The
improvement in the wear behaviour of Al-Al2O3 composites might be due to presence of Al2O3 and high hardness [13].
Palanisamy Pugalenthi et al. [16] researched on Al7075 - SiC - Al2O3 through stir casting. The result showed that the tensile
strength and hardness of the composite increased by increasing the wt. % of reinforcements. The presence of hard particles
decreased the wear rate and further the wear rate was reduced by reinforcing with SiC-Al2O3 [13]. Marialaura et al. [17]
studied the effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of AlSi3Cr alloy. The results revealed that the heat treatment
played an important role on intermetallic bonding between the ceramic particles and metal matrix. The mechanical behavior
of AlSi3Cr alloy shows remarkable tensile strength in heat-treated conditions compared to untreated conditions. Myriounis
et al. [18] investigated the interface effects and heat treatment on the mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composites
reinforced with SiC-Particle. The obtained results indicated the T6 heat-treated MMCs with 20 % wt. of SiC particles show
the highest strength when compared to the 31 % wt. SiC particles composite. This is predictable since the mechanical
strength of the MMCs in the T6 condition originates from the development of the Mg2Si precipitates. Prabhu et al. [19]
studied the effect of heat-treatment on mechanical strength and wear behaviour of Al6061 composites reinforced with SiCp.
The tensile strength of MMCs composites increases with increasing in SiCp. The heat treatment had a significant effect on
ultimate tensile strength of composites. Further, wear rate of MMCs decreases, by increasing in SiCp in the matrix alloy
under the tested condition. The heat treatment has a found significant effect on wear behaviour of composites. The detailed
literature survey shows that the addition of two different ceramic particulates reinforced in Al alloy can improve the
mechanical properties and wear resistance of Al hybrid MMCs. Though, it has been observed that only few research works
has been executed to study the influence of two ceramic particulates reinforcement in Al MMCs. An effort has been made
in the present investigation to produce Al composites by adopting stir casting method under various wt. % of reinforcement
to obtain better mechanical and wear properties. To improve the mechanical and wear properties of developed Al
composites reinforced with SiC and Al2O3 heat treatment process has been introduced. In the present study, the
performance of the composites enhanced with different types of quenching processes like as-received, water quenched and
ice quenched process were carried out on developed composites.

SELECTION OF MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

A l 7075 having a density 2.7 g/cm3, was used as a matrix material. Al2O3 and SiC were used as reinforcements. Four
different weight percentages of SiC and Al2O3 (2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) were chosen in the experiments. The average
particle size was 100 µm Al2O3 with ph value of 6.5-7.5. SiC of 220 µm mesh size particulates were used in the
present investigation. Stir casting method was adopted to fabricate the MMCs. The reinforcement particles which were
preheated were mixed with Al alloy at the time of stirring. Degassing process was adopted to remove the gasses present in
molten melt. In the present investigation, the stirring was done at 100-125 rpm for the duration of 5 min, later the molten
melt was poured in to pre-heated mold box. After solidification, the cast samples were removed from mold box and
machined by CNC. The hybrid MMCs with Al alloy matrix containing SiC and Al2O3 were characterized by heat treatment
process and thus their material properties can be improved. The process of heat treatment was chosen based on the nature
of the materials and its functions, being defined by temperature (ºC), duration and type of cooling medium [20]. Quenching
formed a significant part of the heat treatment method. The process included cooling the material after the heat treatment
in different mediums and at different cooling speeds [21]. The composite specimens were subjected to solutionizing for a
duration of 2hrs at a temperature of 480ºC and then quenched separately in two different quenching media such as water
and ice cubes. Finally, the age-hardening was carried out at a temperature of 160ºC for the duration of 4 hrs and then cooled
at room temperature (27ºC).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Tensile strength

T he specimens were prepared according to ASTM E8 standard and the tests were performed on the cast composites.
Tensile tests were performed by subjecting the test specimens to axial or longitudinal load at a particular extension
rate of load till failure of the specimen occurred. Tests were conducted on the Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
whose maximum load capacity is 400 KN. Fig. 1 shows the tensile strength of SiC/Al2O3 reinforced hybrid metal matrix

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 M. Ravikumar et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

composites. The result shows clearly that the ultimate tensile strength of the MMCs increased by increase in volume percent
SiC and Al2O3. This outcome is due to the existence of high amounts of ceramic particulates in MMCs [9]. The tensile
strength of the MMCs increased due to the resistance of dislocations and therefore the composites strength increased with
increase in wt. % of hard ceramic particulates. The nature of hard ceramic particulates is the cause of the enhancement in
strength [16]. The ceramic particles correlate with dislocations which lead to improvement in the tensile strength. Similar
outcomes have been observed by different researchers [22-24]. It was observed that there was an improvement in the tensile
strength of heat treated MMCs when compared to as received condition. It is revealed that due to heat treatment there is
possibility of development of coherent precipitates. The lattice coherency among the base matrix and the precipitates occur
up to a certain degree of temperature beyond which the lattice vibration forms the non-coherent precipitates with the base
matrix. It is a known fact that throughout the ageing after the solutionizing treatment fine precipitates are formed on the
soft Al matrix which results in improving the composite properties [25]. From the results, it was revealed that the tensile
strengths of the heat treated composites are higher compared to un-heat treated composites. The improvement in ductility
of MMCs can be attributed to the coupling effect of a numerous small hard ceramic particles due to growth restriction and
also thermal modification at the time of heat treatment [26]. As shown in Fig. 1, maximum tensile strength was found for
the composites when the quenched in ice. This marked enhancement in tensile strength of MMCs studied on heat-treatment
can be attributed to high extent of development of intermetallic precipitates, generally, which act as the points of obstacles
for the pinning down of dislocations. This phenomenon of multiplication of dislocations limits the mobility of dislocations,
thus reducing the level of plastic deformation. This leads to major improvement in tensile strength of MMCs [27]. The
tensile stress-strain curves of the composite samples fabricated by the stir casting method are shown in Fig. 2. Stress-strain
diagram is plotted for as-received, water quenched and ice quenched samples and all the points are indicated. Out of all
these composite specimens, the tensile strength is higher for ice quenched specimen. In order to understand the mode of
failure during tensile test, fractographic analysis was carried out on the composite specimens after fracture. The fractographic
examination shows that increase in the wt. % of the SiC & Al2O3 changed the kind of failure from ductile to brittle, which
could be evidently observed from the dimples and deformed region present within the area of the fracture [16]. With the
increased SiC-Al2O3 content, it is observed that multiple micro cracks have occurred signifying decreased ductility. In
general, the topology of the fractured surfaces appears with multiple cracks and voids. Formation of voids is caused by the
presence of hard ceramic particulates with soft matrix initiating triaxial state of stress in the vicinity of a particle. The void
at the interfaces among the particles and matrix increased the crack propagation from their center. The existence of ceramic
particles on the fracture surface as well as in micro voids also influenced the mechanical properties by improving the bonding
of the matrix and decreased the ductility [28 & 29]. Tensile fracture specimens in as-received condition were obtained and
showed ductile fracture was seen with micro and macro dimples and also cup and cone fracture have been observed. The
fracture surface of composites without heat treatment after tensile test specimen is shown in Fig. 3. From the Fig. 3, it is
observed that the fracture is mainly dimple rupture. Generally, this is the normally due to the overload failure and failure by
merging of micro-voids process. The numerous cuplike despairs are also observed in Fig. 3. Formation and coalescence of
micro-voids results in the dimples at localized strain regions (grain boundaries). Fig. 4 shows the fractured surface of water
quenched specimen after tensile test. Number of dimples observed is more and in smaller sizes indicating the development
of micro-voids. Therefore, it is seen that dimples are equally distributed.

Figure 1: Tensile strength for varying wt. % of SiC and Al2O3.

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Ravikumar M et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

Figure 2: Stress-strain curve for as-received, water quenched and ice quenched samples.

Figure 3: Fracture images of un-heat treated composites.

Figure 4: Fracture images of water quenched composites.

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 M. Ravikumar et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

Figure 5: Fracture images of ice quenched composites with different compositions.

The fractography of ice quenched composites obtained using SEM are as shown in the Fig. 5. An investigation of these
fracture surface structures as seen in the SEM at high magnification was done to study the fracture region, to detect areas
of initiation of micro-crack, growth of early crack and the over-loaded area to identify the satisfactory scale fracture features
[28]. The dimples size in the fractured surface of the water quenched specimen is smaller when compared to the fractured
surface of the untreated composites. Similarly, ice quenched specimens show smaller size dimples compared to water
quenched specimens. Generally, the dimple size shows direct proportional relationship with composite strength.

Figure 6: Vickers hardness with varying content of SiC and Al2O3.

Hardness
The hardness of composites were tested according to ASTM E92 standards by using Vickers hardness testing equipment
with an indenter of 10 mm diamond and the load of 1/2 kg for a period of 10 seconds. The test was conducted at room
temperature (27ºC) and the hardness value was evaluated at three different places on the samples to obtain the average value
of hardness. The effect of SiC and Al2O3 on the hardness based on different quenching media is shown in Fig. 6. The
hardness of the Al 7075/SiC/Al2O3 composite increases by addition of SiC and Al2O3 content as observed from the Fig. 6.
Generally, the hard ceramic particles avoid the motion of dislocations which leads to improvement in the results of hardness
[30]. As the hard ceramic reinforcements are added, the hardness is increased, which exhibits more resistance to plastic
deformation with in the composite rendering increase in hardness of the composites [31]. Similar outcomes were observed
by Rajesh Kumar Bhushan [10] the results conclude that the silicon carbide particles form barricades which hinder the
dislocation motion. This causes increase in the hardness of composites. This outcome is in similar agreement with the results

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of Yogesh Kumar Singla et al. [32], resulting the support of the enormous volume of dislocations at the particulates-matrix
interface throughout the solidification process due to the low-coefficient of thermal expansion of reinforcing particulates
such as SiC and Al2O3 compared with Al is one of the main reasons for increase in hardness values.
The influences of quenching media on hardness have been presented in Fig. 6. It is observed that heat treated samples
exhibit higher hardness as compared to non-heat treated samples. The samples which were quenched in ice, show higher
hardness compared to as-received and water quenched samples. The solutionizing treatment shows the formation of
intermetallic phase which have been observed to be harder than Al leading to higher hardness [20]. In T6 condition of heat-
treated composites, the thermal mismatching of base matrix and reinforcements thermally promotes the density
improvements in dislocation and form towards the advanced resistance to the plastic deformation which leads to better
hardness [33]. The ice quenched samples exhibit better hardness which is due to combined effect of improved bonding
between the particulates and base matrix due to lower temperature and stabilization of intermetallic phase with in the matrix
[20]. High cooling rates caused distortions that might affect the hardness values. This phenomenon affected the distortion
which was produced by the dislocation slip and provided the positive effect on the hardness of composites [34].

Wear behavior (Weight loss)

Wear behaviour of Al 7075-SiC-Al2O3 composites was conducted by using pin-on-disk wear testing equipment under the
load of 3 kg at a sliding speed of 1.66 m/s against the EN32 steel disk. Composites specimens of 8 mm ϕ and length of 30
mm were prepared by machining process. The initial weight of the wear specimens was measured to a least count of 0.0001
gm. After the each test, the specimens were removed, cleaned by using acetone liquid, dried and weighed to measure the
weight loss due to wear. Fig. 7 indicates the influence of the weight percentage of SiC + Al2O3 particles on weight loss based
on different quenching media. From the results it is seen that the wear rate of the composites decreases gradually by
increasing the weight percentage of SiC and Al2O3 content. This is evidently due to the existence of the hard ceramic
particulates and to their immunization effect which results in the fine grain structure [15]. From the outcomes this
observation is made that the existence of hard particles decreases the wear rate and the wear rate of Al-SiC decreases with
increase in of Al2O3 particles. When the Al2O3 particulates are intensely bonded with Al matrix, it helps to protect the
surface against destructive action of the counter face which reveals less wear. In case of Al composites, the depth of
dispersion due to harder asperities of high hardened steel disc is essentially governed by the protruded hard ceramic
reinforcements. The major portion of the load applied is carried by SiC reinforcement particles. The task of reinforcing
particulates is to sustain the contact pressures, preventing from high plastic deformation and graze among the contact
surfaces and thus reduce the quantity of wornout materials [13, 35]. The heat treatment of MMCs has a significant effect on
the wear resistance of composites as depicted in Fig. 7. For a constant load and the steel wheel used, ice as a quenching
media has resulted in the high wear resistance of heat treated composites when compared to water quenched and as-received
composites [27].

Figure 7: Wear loss with varying content of SiC and Al2O3.

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 M. Ravikumar et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

The water quenched composites exhibit the better wear resistance and further ice quenching reduces the high wear rate as
shown in the Fig. 7. The heat treated composites show better hardness when compared to the un-heat treated composites.
This may be due to the formation of high harder intermetallic phase and quenching with ice further improves the hardness
in composites due to the stabilization of the intermetallic phase [20]. Nature of wear resistance varies for both the quenching
conditions. In the case of water quenching the wear rate has been decreased drastically for the hybrid composites. Later, the
wear rate has decreased more in composites which were quenched in ice cubes. All these show that the heat treatment has
a high influence on the wear behaviour of the composites, which can be understood according to similar observations
revealed earlier by various investigations [36]. Here, the wear rate of the heat-treated MMCs is less as compared to un-heat
treated composites due to the oxide film formed on the composite surface which prevents the metal to metal contact. In
heat treated composites, the particles act and restrain severe wear rate [33].

Figure 8: SEM image of the ice quenched (Al - 2 % of Al2O3 - 2 % SiC) composites

Figure 9: SEM image of the ice quenched (Al - 8 % of Al2O3 - 8 % SiC) composites

To understand the wear mechanisms, the wornout surfaces of the composites specimens corresponding to the weight
percentage were examined by SEM analysis. The SEM images of wornout surfaces of the composite specimens with varying
wt. % hard particulates are shown in Fig. 8 and 9. Here, Al2O3 particles are observed as whitish phases and the SiC particles
are observed as dark phases in the composites. The worn morphology of Al + 2 % of Al2O3 + 2 % SiC was revealed
scratches and grooves in the deformed areas. The contact between the composite specimen and steel disc was resulting the
abrasive wear due to the scratches and parallel grooves on the wornout surfaces. The worn surface of Al + 8 % of Al2O3 +

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Ravikumar M et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

8 % SiC was showed high wear resistance than other composites. Due to the inter metallic phases the Al + 2 % of Al2O3 +
2 % SiC composites revealed high wear rate. The existence of inter metallic phase have been reduced and ceramic particulates
were uniformly distributed in Al + 8 % of Al2O3 + 8 % SiC composite materials. Due to the uniform dispersal of ceramic
particulates and existence of low inter-metallic phases of Al + 8 % of Al2O3 + 8 % SiC composite revealed better wear
resistance [37]. This remarkable observation is evidence with the results of [38, 39] SiC/Al2O3 particulates are shown to
have valuable effects on the wear properties of these MMCs. The SiC/Al2O3 particles are shown to fracture in the smaller
pieces which create wear debris particulates. SiC/Al2O3 particles may avoid the penetration of the steel disk into the
composites and there by protect the aluminum from deforming and finally increase its wear resistance. SiC/Al2O3
particulates may be crushed into powders which helps to improve the wear resistance, as observed in the results of wear
rate.
The ceramic particulates are initiated within the cavities and it is seen that few particulates have broken down and some of
the particles are pulled away from the face. It indicates the rough wear mechanisms which are fundamentally an influence
of hard particles exposed on the wornout region. The micrograph reveals that more number of continuous grooves are
present on the wornout surfaces. These parallel grooves are the proof of micro ploughing and comparable wornout surfaces
with increased severity were found. Wide ploughing can be detected on the wornout surfaces which show prominent wear
mechanism in the MMCs. However, in heat-treated MMCs, the wornout surfaces were comparatively smoother with fine
grooves and also at the edge of grooves minor plastic deformation was detected in composite. Grooves along the sliding
direction and material delamination were detected on the wornout surface of the hybrid MMCs. By increasing the hard
ceramic reinforcements the grooves were reduced and also some smooth wear tracks can be seen. Small size grooves were
found with oxide patches [33]. The chance of debonding of the particulates due to the continuous sliding causes the
particulates to get loosened from the base matrix and get stuck between the surfaces of sliding whereby it might act as
abrader leading to short period of wear. This reveals the enhanced wear rate [20]. To study the chemical composition of the
SiC/Al2O3 reinforced Al composites, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) studies were carried out by using Scanning
Electron Microscope (SEM). In Fig. 10, the EDS analysis shows the main composition of SiC/Al2O3 reinforced Al
composites such as Mg, Si, carbon, Fe and Al and a small amount of oxygen is also detected. The signals of the oxygen may
rise from the presence of the Al2O3 particulates. These outcomes indicate that the chemical compositions of the SiC/Al2O3
reinforced Al composites are consistent. The presence of carbon shows the addition of SiC, Al2O3 particulates with Al7075
matrix [40].

Figure 10: EDS spectrum of wornout surface composite sample (Al + 8 % SiC + 8 % Al2O3)
In the chemical compositions of Al 7075/SiC/Al2O3, oxygen (O) content has been found. The content of “O” is due to
the presence of Al2O3 as the main compound on the composite surface. The silicon peak in the EDS analysis confirms the
presence of SiC in the composites [40-42]

CONCLUSIONS

I n the investigation, study on the mechanical properties and wear behaviour of Al7075/SiC/Al2O3 were evaluated. The
Al7075 alloy reinforced by 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt. % of (SiC + Al2O3) composites was successfully produced using stir casting
process. The outputs have been summarized as follows:

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 M. Ravikumar et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 55 (2021) 20-31; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.55.02

 The ultimate tensile strength of the MMCs increased by increasing in wt. % of SiC and Al2O3.
 The fractographic studies reveal that the changes in the mode of failure occur from ductile to brittle due to increase in
the wt. % of SiC & Al2O3 content.
 The hardness of the hybrid MMCs increased with increasing in wt. % of SiC and Al2O3 content.
 The maximum tensile strength and hardness of composite was found for the samples quenched in ice.
 The wear rate (weight loss) of the MMCs gradually decreased with increasing in the weight percentage of SiC and Al2O3
content. Higher wear resistance was found at ice quenched samples compared to water quenched samples.
 From the wornout surface, SiC/Al2O3 particulates are shown to have valuable effects on the wear properties of
composites.
 EDS clearly shows the existence of elemental composition and also revealed the presence of SiC and Al2O3 content in
the composites.

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