Influence of Al ₂ O ₃ Content on Microstucture, Mechanical Strength, and Wear Behavior of AA7075 Matrix Composites via Deformation‐Driven Metallurgy

This study explores the fascinating potential of deformation‐driven metallurgy in the synthesis of AA7075‐Al 2 O 3 composites, shedding light on how variations in Al 2 O 3 content influence microstructure, mechanical performance, and wear resistance. By systematically altering the Al 2 O 3 content from 0 to 20 wt%, the research uncovers critical insights into the material's evolution. A striking increase in grain size, from 4.2 to 5.7 μm, occurs as Al 2 O 3 content rises, despite maintaining uniformity across different regions of the composites. Mechanical testing reveals an intriguing trend: the ultimate tensile strength peaks at 640.8 MPa with just 6 wt% Al 2 O 3 , while higher Al 2 O 3 content results in a reduction in strength, down to 566.4 MPa at 20 wt%. A notable finding is the significant variation in elongation, with the highest (13.4%) in the pure AA7075 matrix, contrasting sharply with the lowest (4.9%) in the 20 wt% Al 2 O 3 composite. Most remarkably, the AA7075‐6 wt% Al 2 O 3 composite not only demonstrates the highest tensile strength but also exhibits the lowest wear rate (4.5 μg m −1 ), offering an exciting glimpse into the material's potential for advanced applications. This study reveals the delicate balance between microstructure and mechanical properties, unlocking the pathway to more durable and high‐performance composites.