Microstructural and mechanical characterization in 7075 aluminum alloy reinforced by silver nanoparticles dispersion

Composites of 7075 aluminum alloy (Al7075) with carbon-coated silver nanoparticles (Ag-C NP) were prepared by the mechanical milling process. It had been found that Ag-C NP have an effect in refining the powder and in the crystal size. MgZn2 phase presents in annealed samples was dissolved by milling process. The Vickers microhardness (HVN) values are higher at higher Ag-C NP contents. It has been found that a saturation point exists where microhardness does not present variation.