Microstructure and mechanical properties of 7075 aluminum alloy nanostructured composites processed by mechanical milling and indirect hot extrusion

Nanostructured composites of 7075 aluminum alloy and carbon coated silver nanoparticles were produced by mechanical milling and indirect hot extrusion. The milling products were obtained in a high energy SPEX ball mill, and then were compacted by uniaxial load and pressure-less sintered under argon atmosphere. Finally, the sintered product was hot extruded. Carbon coated silver nanoparticles were well distributed in the matrix of the extruded material. Tensile tests were carried out to corroborate the hypothesis that second phase particles, well dispersed in the matrix, improve the strength of the material. High resolution transmission electron microscopy was employed to locate and make sure that the silver nanoparticles were homogeneously and finely dispersed.

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► 7075 Al nanostructured composites can be produced by mechanical milling.
► Carbon coated silver nanoparticles are well dispersed into aluminum matrix.
► Ductile Ag–C NP's improve the mechanical properties of the 7075 Al-alloy.
► Ag–C NP's content has an important effect in the particle and crystallite size.
► Ag–C NP's keep their morphology after milling and conformation processes.