Production of AlSi12CuNiMg/Al2O3 Micro/Nanodispersed Surface Composites Using Friction Stir Processing for Automotive Applications

Abstract

The service life of automotive components often depends on their surface properties. Consequently, improved surface properties with the retainment of bulk characteristics are necessary for such components to guarantee enhanced mechanical and tribological properties. In this research, friction stir processing (FSP) is used to produce surface composites characterized by extruded AlSi12CuNiMg matrix and micro and nano-sized Al2O3 particles as reinforcing phase. Multiple passes of FSP using two different strategies were applied to distribute the Al2O3 particles. The effect of the different FSP parameters and sequence of rotation direction for the applied passes was investigated. The processed surface layers were analyzed through optical and scanning electron microscopy, hardness, and wear testing. The properties of the processed composite surface showed to be affected by both the size of reinforcing particles and the processing direction sequence. A comparison between properties of the produced surface composites and the base metal was also carried out. Bench-type test developed to measure the weight loss of samples under sand erosion conditions.