Microstructural and mechanical behavior of Al 6061/SiC-Al2O3 composites processed through friction stir processing

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) reinforced in friction stir processing (FSP) has increased insights that can affectively attain the desired mechanical properties for the manufactured samples. The favorable conditions of carbides are considered for reinforcing the SiC particles into the Aluminum 6061. The methodology of fabricating Aluminum 6061 comprises of three materials, Al 6061-SiC-Al₂O₃. The experimental evaluation of the composite Aluminum 6061-SiC-Al₂O₃ includes the influence of process parameters on microhardness, tensile strength, and microstructure. As a result of the reinforcement of nanoparticles processed in FSP, the properties of composite material increased satisfactorily. The sample S3 observed to be having a maximum tensile strength of 185 MPa. The larger, the better condition is adopted to analyze the tensile strength of the fabricated samples. The optimum condition for maximum tensile strength was found at 900 RPM, 15 mm/min, and composition 3. The hardness profiles at different zones of friction stir processing (FSP), viz., Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), Thermo Mechanical Affected Zone (TMAZ), Nugget Zone (NZ) were examined. The characterization techniques deployed were optical microscope (OM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies for microstructural behavior. The result shows that the reinforcements were tightly embedded into the base material surface. The spherical grains are formed in the reinforcement region.