Surface modification of aluminum alloy 6061 by embedding B₄C particles via friction stir processing

Abstract

Aluminum alloy-based surface composites have been in numerous applications since the introduction of Friction Stir Processing (FSP) method to develop multifunctional properties owing to its ease of use and control in process parameters to obtain desired properties. AA6061-T651 is used as a substitute for AA6082 in structural applications due to its higher strength in comparison. To further improve surface properties of AA6061, friction stir processing technique was employed to reinforce boron carbide particles by Hole method. To achieve uniformity in distribution, FSP with different direction strategy has been adopted. The surfaces thus developed were characterized using Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. Tension and microhardness tests were also conducted to study the change in mechanical properties. The dark carbide zones with clear boundaries were identified in single pass processed specimen. Uniformity in the B4C distribution was observed on the second pass surface. In addition, Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) results have shown the presence of B4C embedded regions in the nugget zones along with AA6061 matrix. Higher ultimate tensile strength was observed with single pass processed surface by 11% than dual pass processed surface.

Investigation of the microstructure, mechanical and wear performance of friction stir-processed AA6061-T6 plate reinforced with B4C particles surface composite

“…The highest tensile strength of 347 MPa and minimum wear of 55 mm were obtained from 15% of the volume of boron carbide particles, 1400 r/min of rotating speed, and 40 mm/min traveling speed of the tool. Balram et al 28 reported on improve the surface properties of AA6061, the friction stir processing technique was employed to reinforce Boron Carbide (B 4 C) particles by the Blind-Hole method. An emerging field is nanomaterial reinforced friction stir welding (FSW), which offers a promising technique for improving joint qualities by creating composite joints.…”