Effect of addition of TiC nanoparticles on the tensile strength of Al7075-graphene hybrid composites

In the current work, the effect of the addition of titanium carbide and graphene nanoparticles on the tensile strength of the aluminum 7075 matrix composites is investigated. The preparation of the mentioned composites is made using a novel ultrasonic stir casting process. The reinforcements used are 0.25wt% graphene nanoparticles and 0.5wt% to 2.5wt% of titanium carbide nanoparticles. Ultrasonic stir casting techniques are used to enhance the wettability of TiC and graphene nanoparticles. To quantify the microstructure of the prepared composites, SEM and EDS are used. An experimental investigation has been carried out to determine the influence of the addition of TiC and graphene nanoparticles on the tensile strength of the mentioned composite. From the SEM analysis, it is observed that the prepared composites have a uniform distribution of the reinforcements and the EDS analysis confirms the existence of reinforcing elements in the Al7075-TiC/Graphene composites. Experimental results show that the addition of TiC and graphene enhances the hardness and tensile strength. This enhancement is lost with the ductility of the Al7075-TiC/Graphene composites. The fractographic samples of the Al7075- TiC/graphene composites shows cracks in the vicinity of the matrix and reinforcements and also show a brittle fracture.