Effect of ultrasonic nano-crystalline surface modification on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Al5052 alloy

Abstract

Surface modification of Al5052 alloy was carried out by an ultrasonic nano-crystalline surface modification (UNSM) technology at various processing conditions. The effect of UNSM processing parameters (amplitude and ball size) on the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. Analyses using electron microscopy, microhardness and wear test showed an obvious grain refinement up to 200 mm in depth from the surface. The hardness of the UNSM-treated surface increased by approximately 50%, resulting in approximately 48% increase of wear resistance. The effect of ball size in UNSM was predominant on the grain refinement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd.