Friction Stir Processing Of Intermetallic particulate Reinforced Aluminum Matrix composite

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore 641014, Tamil Nadu, India

²School of Mechanical Sciences, Karunya University, Coimbatore 641114, Tamil Nadu, India

Adv. Mater. Lett., 2013, 4 (3), pp 230-234

DOI: 10.5185/amlett.2012.7398

Publication Date (Web): Jan 21, 2013

Copyright © IAAM-VBRI Press

E-mail: dinaweld2009@gmail.com

Abstract

Friction stir processing (FSP) is a novel solid state technique to refine the microstructure of metallic materials. The objective of this work is to apply FSP to change the morphology and distribution of intermetallic particles and achieve property enhancement. AA6061/8wt. % Al₃Zr composite was produced by the in situ reaction of molten aluminum and inorganic salt K₂ZrF₆. Optical and scanning electron micrographs revealed a uniform distribution of needle shape Al₃Zr particles in the aluminum matrix. The Al₃Zr particles were located in the inter granular spaces. A double pass FSP was carried out using a tool rotational speed of 1200 rpm, processing speed of 50 mm/min and axial force of 8 kN. A tool made of HCHCr steel; oil hardened to 62 HRC, having a hexagonal profile was used. The needle shape Al₃Zr particles were fragmented and converted into a spherical shape subsequent to FSP which resulted an increase in the hardness of the composite.

Keywords

Metal matrix composite, casting, friction stir processing,intermetallic particle.