Investigating the Microhardness Behavior of Al6061/TiC Surface Composites Produced by Friction Stir Processing

Abstract

The continual pursuit of fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and desirable physical and mechanical properties of materials has steered researchers towards the latest generation of aluminum matrix composites for automotive and aerospace applications. In this context, the present study investigates the microhardness behavior of Al6061/TiC composites produced by friction stir processing. The morphological characteristics of the produced surface composites were analyzed using optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM micrographs confirmed the presence of TiC particles and their uniform distribution within the aluminum matrix. The mechanical properties of the composites were explored using a microhardness tester, revealing a distinctive feature of the Al6061/TiC composites - a 35% increase in microhardness value compared to the base Al6061 alloy. This improvement in microhardness can be attributed to enhanced interfacial bonding, obstructions in dislocation movement, and grain refinement, all contributing to Hall-Petch strengthening.