Friction stir welding (FSW) is established as one of the prominent welding techniques to join aluminium matrix composites (AMCs). It is a solid state welding process, takes place well below the melting temperature of the material, eliminates the detrimental effects of conventional fusion welding process. Although the process is capable to join AMCs, challenges are still open that need to be fulfill to widen its applications. This paper gives the outline of the friction stir welding technique used to join AMCs. Effect of process variables on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints, behavior of reinforcing materials during welding, effect of tool profiles on the joint strength are discussed in detail. Few improvements and direction for future research are also proposed.

Friction stir welding (FSW) is established as one of the prominent welding techniques to join aluminium matrix composites (AMCs). It is a solid state welding process, takes place well below the melting temperature of the material, eliminates the detrimental effects of conventional fusion welding process. Although the process is capable to join AMCs, challenges are still open that need to be fulfill to widen its applications. This paper gives the outline of the friction stir welding technique used to join AMCs. Effect of process variables on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints, behavior of reinforcing materials during welding, effect of tool profiles on the joint strength are discussed in detail. Few improvements and direction for future research are also proposed.

Abstract. Al7075 alloy is the most commonly used by the aerospace industry. Al7075 alloy is characterized by its improved properties such as higher toughness, specific strength and hardness. The current work focuses on the preparation and characterization of age hardened Al7075-Grey cast iron composites. Two stage stir casting technique is used for the preparation of the composite. Age hardening treatment is imparted to enhance the mechanical characteristics. The variation of hardness and tensile strength with respect to aging temperature and percentage of reinforcement is analyzed. The composites exhibit higher hardness and tensile strength as the reinforcement percentage is increased at an aging temperature of 100 0 C.

Al7075 alloy is the most commonly used by the aerospace industry. Al7075 alloy is characterized by its improved properties such as higher toughness, specific strength and hardness. The current work focuses on the preparation and characterization of age hardened Al7075-Grey cast iron composites. Two stage stir casting technique is used for the preparation of the composite. Age hardening treatment is imparted to enhance the mechanical characteristics. The variation of hardness and tensile strength with respect to aging temperature and percentage of reinforcement is analyzed. The composites exhibit higher hardness and tensile strength as the reinforcement percentage is increased at an aging temperature of 100 0 C.