EFFECT OF TITANIUM CARBIDE & RICE HUSK ASH AS REINFORCEMENT MIXTURE WITH AL7075-0 MATRIX HYBRID COMPOSITE

Abstract

In this study, the influence of titanium carbide (TiC) and rice husk ash (RHA) as reinforcements in aluminum alloy (AlZn5, 5MgCu) composites was investigated. The composites were fabricated using a double stir casting process, with TiC and RHA incorporated in varying weight fractions (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) in equal proportions. Microstructural, mechanical, and physical properties of the composites were analyzed. The mechanical properties evaluated included tensile strength, impact energy, and micro-hardness. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the microstructure and fractography of the fabricated composites. Additionally, density measurements and estimated porosity were used to characterize the hybrid composites. The results revealed that the mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and micro-hardness, improved with increasing reinforcement weight fraction (Wt.%) up to 7%, but showed a slight decline beyond this point due to agglomerations. The % of elongation of the composites decreased with higher RHA content. Furthermore, the density of the composites decreased with increasing reinforcement, accompanied by the presence of pores. Optimal mechanical properties were achieved 7 Wt. % for both TiC and RHA.