Effect of hot extrusion on microstructure and tribological behavior of Al₂O_3p reinforced 7075 aluminum-matrix composites

Abstract

The effects of hot extrusion and addition of Al₂O_3p on both microstructure and tribological behavior of 7075 composites were investigated via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental consequences reveal that the optimal addition of Al₂O_3p was 2 wt%. After hot extrusion, the Mg(Zn,Cu,Al)₂ phases partially dissolve into the matrix and generate many uniformly distributed aging precipitation particles, the Al₇Cu₂Fe phases are squeezed and broken, and the Al₂O_3p become uniform distribution. The microhardness of as-extruded 2 wt% Al₂O_3p/7075 composites reaches HV 170.34, increased by 41.5% than as-cast composites. The wear rate of as-extruded 2 wt% Al₂O_3p/7075 composites is further lower than that of as-cast composites under the same condition. SEM-EDS analyses reveal that the reinforced wear resistance of composites can put down to the protective effect of the Al₂O_3p reinforced transition layer. After hot extrusion, the transition layer becomes stable, which determines the reinforced wear resistance of the as-extruded composites.

Keywords

7075 alloy / Al₂O_3p / composites / hot extrusion / microstructure / tribological behavior

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