Development and Characterization of Al7075 Alloy Reinforced with Tungsten Carbide (WC) and E-glass fiber

Abstract

A composite having Aluminum alloy Al7075 as a matrix and Tungsten Carbide (WC) and E-glass fiber as reinforcements has been developed. The percentages of WC and E-Glass were varied in the ranges 2-6% and 1-5% respectively. The test samples were prepared as per ASTM standards. Tensile test was carried out on UTM to measure yield strength, Ultimate tensile strength and % Elongation. Hardness test was carried out on a BHN tester to know the hardness of different specimen. It was found that increase in both WC and E-Glass contents increases ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength, and hardness but there is gradual decrease in % elongation as UTS increases. Values of these properties varied from specimen to specimen, i.e. UTS increased from 262.03 N/mm2 to 296.4 N/mm2, Yield strength from 258.4 N/mm2 to 285.3 N/mm2 , hardness from 85.3 BHN to 99.2 BHN, and % elongation decreased from 7.2 to 4.5. From these values it is well clear that increasing the WC and E-glass fiber contents in the composite would result in increase in UTS, YS, Hardness, but decrease in % elongation.