Friction Stir Processing of AA6061 Aluminum Alloy Reinforced with Ceramic Particles for Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of incorporating ceramic particles, specifically Chromium Carbide (CrC), Tantalum Carbide (TaC), and Niobium Carbide (NbC), on the mechanical properties of AA6061 aluminum alloy. The investigation uses the Friction Stir Processing (FSP) fabrication technique. The results indicate substantial enhancements in mechanical properties compared to the material without reinforcement. Reinforced composites display elevated longitudinal and shear velocities, which signifies enhanced rigidity and ability to withstand deformation when subjected to different force directions. Using CrC and TaC reinforcements in the AA6061/CrC+TaC composite led to the maximum velocities for both wave types, indicating a notably rigid composite material. Introducing ceramic particles to AA6061 significantly augments Young’s and shear modulus, indicating improved strength and stiffness. AA6061/CrC+TaC showed the most notable enhancement of all the reinforcements, underscoring the potential of using combined reinforcements. Incorporating ceramic particles into AA6061 greatly enhances its microhardness and Vickers hardness. The addition of Tantalum Carbide (TaC) as a reinforcement resulted in the most significant enhancement, indicating a robust interaction with the matrix. Notably, composites with a combination of reinforcements (CrC+TaC and CrC+NbC) displayed even greater hardness, possibly due to synergistic effects.