Production of AA 7075 matrix composite, hybrid material reinforced with niobium and SiC and investigation of their properties

In parallel with the developing technology, improved material microstructure and mechanical properties are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, the production of composite materials is of great importance. When it comes to the use of composite materials, it allows to improve properties such as strength, fatigue life, corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, thermal insulation, aesthetic appearance, thermal conductivity, low weight and sound insulation. In particular, hybrid composite materials constitute another type of engineering materials in which two or more different reinforcing elements are combined to take advantage of the reinforcing elements used. In this thesis, both composite and hybrid materials were produced by adding rare earth element Nb and ceramic SiC particles to AA 7075 matrix material. For this purpose, non-reinforced AA7075, AA7075-10 % SiC, AA 7075-10 % Nb by weight were mixed using a high-energy mill under 600 rpm for 1 hour. The mixed powder mixtures were pressed with 350 MPa pressing pressure and 575 °C for 60 minutes (hot) pressing, then bulk samples were produced by sintering at 600 °C for 60 minutes. After the density measurements of the produced samples, general metallographic studies were carried out. After metallography studies, pre- and post-aging hardness, optical microscope, SEM, EDS, three-point bending and abrasion tests were carried out on the finished materials.