FRICTION STIR PROCESSING OF PARTICLE REINFORCED COMPOSITE

Abstract

In this study friction stir processing is utilized for microstrucutral modification of metal matrix composite. Friction stir processing is a relatively newer technique for microstrucutral modification. It offers many advantages owing to solid state nature of processing. For preparing metal matrix composite LM13 aluminum alloy and zircon sand of average particle size of 40 μm was used as a particulate reinforcement. Stir casting technique was used for preparing metal matrix composite. Friction stir processing of metal matrix composite resulted in uniform distribution of zircon sand particles with excellent interfacial bonding with the Al matrix. Friction stir processing also led to significant size reduction of zircon sand particles. Microstructural modification of metal matrix composite depends on number of FSP passes. The size reduction of zircon sand particles after four passes was below 10 μm. After four passes of FSP, the metal matrix composite showed improved strength, hardness and wear resistance.