Effect of Al2O3 and SiC Nano Reinforcements on Microstructure, Mechanical and Wear Properties of Surface Nanocomposites Fabricated by Friction Stir Processing

Abstract

In this study, friction stir processing has been applied to fabricate Al/Al2O3 and Al/SiC surface nanocomposites. Nano sized Al2O3, and SiC particles were used as a reinforcement whereas 6061-T6 aluminum alloy was selected as matrix material. The experiments were conducted at constant process parameters (1150 rpm and 15 mm/min) with changing volume percentage (2, 4 and 6) of nano reinforcements. The approach compared the effect of nano reinforcement on microstructural, mechanical, microhardness and wear properties of surface nanocomposites. Microstructure examinations revealed that Al2O3 and SiC nano particles were distributed into the processed region mainly in the form of clusters. Also, with increasing volume percentage of nano reinforcement increasing the defect formation. Vickers microhardness and tensile tests were conducted to study the mechanical properties of the surface nanocomposites. Superior microhardness properties were obtained along the stir zone. The addition of ceramic particle into the matrix material leads to increase in microhardness but simultaneously decreases yielding strength with an increase of wear resistance. The average coefficient of friction of Al/SiC composites were reduced than Al/Al2O3 composites. The effect of nano reinforcements on wear resistance was increased with increasing volume percentage of nano particles into the matrix material.

Enabling electrical response through piezoelectric particle integration in AA2017-T451 aluminium parts using FSP technology

“…Upon comparing the grain size within the stir zone before and after the introduction of piezoelectric particles, it becomes apparent that the incorporation of these particles led to a more intense grain size refinement in the AA2017 alloy. Prior research has emphasized the significant role played by reinforcement particles in the fragmentation of grains within the processed microstructure, attributed to localized and non-uniform deformation [54]. Additionally, the utilization of reinforcement particles acts as a constraint on the grain growth of the aluminium matrix grains, known as the Zener pinning effect [55].…”

Investigation on Friction Stir Weldability Characteristics of AA7075‐T651 and AA6061‐T6 Based Nanocomposites

“…e FSW parameters probably caused the cavity along the fusion line. e combination of rotational speed 900 rpm and feed rate 30 mm/min resulted in the formation of the flow band along the fusion line of the weld [20]. In the case of cylindrical geometry, the threshold force can encounter discrete stick slip with incomplete stirring and generation of discrete pores/vacant sites.…”

The Electrochemical and Microstructure Effects of TiB2 and SiC Addition to AA5052/Al2O3 Surface Composite Coatings in 0.5 M H2SO4 Solution

“…Recently, different multiple-particle reinforcements have been investigated [29,30]. Some research focused on binary reinforcement particles such as SiC-Al 2 O 3 [31], metal diborides-SiC [32], and Al 2 O 3 -Ti compound [29]. In addition, the tensile strength of the produced composite with SiC-Al 2 O 3 was about 5.3 times larger than the Al base [33].…”

“…In addition, the tensile strength of the produced composite with SiC-Al 2 O 3 was about 5.3 times larger than the Al base [33]. Also, the wear resistance of the latter composites significantly increased [31]. Recently, triple reinforcement particles have been considered: TiB 2 -TiC-Al 2 O 3 [30,34,35] and SiC-Al 2 O 3 -TiB 2 [36].…”