Characterization of aluminium / (SiC+B4C) ceramic particles reinforced hybrid Surface Composites (SC) fabricated by friction stir processing

Abstract

Friction stir processing (FSP) has advanced as a novel method used for the fabrication of surface composite (SC), refinement of microstructure and enhancing the mechanical properties. In this paper, aluminium surface matrix composite (SMC+ B4C) was fabricated on the surface of aluminium alloy (6082) with ceramic (SiC+B4C) reinforcement using friction stir processing technique. In order to analyse the effect of SiC+B4C particles, its percentage fraction on the microstructure, mechanical and the sliding wear behaviour. A single pass FSP was carried out using a tool with 1000 - 1200 rpm rotational speed, whose travel speed of 45 to 60 mm/min and a vertical force to produce the composite. Aluminium Matrix Composites with different percentile combinations were synthesized. The microstructure of the AA6082/SiC+B4C AMCs was studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The micro hardness was measured and the sliding wear behaviour was evaluated using a pin-on-disc apparatus. Thus, the results revealed that the effect of SiC+B4C particles significantly influenced the area of the composite, dispersion, grain size of matrix, micro hardness, and sliding wear behaviour of the AA6082/SiC+B4C AMCs. With this the effect of SiC+B4C particles on fracture surface and worn surface is also reported in this paper.