Manufacturing of recycled aluminum matrix composites reinforced of TiC/MoS2/Al2O3 fiber through combined method: Sintered + forging

Aluminum based hybrid composites were produced from recycled AA7075 chips with the addition of TiC (d ≤ 3–5 micron), MoS2 and Al2O3 fiber. In the two groups of composites produced, the content of MoS2 and Al2O3 were fixed as 2 wt % and 3 wt % respectively, whereas TiC content was at two levels (5–10%). The combined method of powder metallurgy route, sintering followed by forging, was used to manufacture these composites. These composites are targeted for aeronautical and automotive industries for components subjected to static as well as cyclic and dynamic loading. In addition to mechanical properties, machinability of these composites is of importance hence, MoS2 was included in the formulation. Micro hardness, 3 point bending, low velocity impact and nanoindentation (creep and wear) tests were performed on samples manufactured by just sintering and sintering followed by forging. The results showed that, in generals, the samples that were forged after sintering yielded better properties. The microstructure analyses (matrix/interface) have been carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)