In this article, the effects of three different sizes of Al 2 O 3 particles in the friction stir processing on grain size, cluster size, microstructure, and micro-hardness of as-cast magnesium alloy AZ91 were investigated. Moreover, the effects of two types of tool geometries and number of passes on the mentioned parameters were considered. Effect of mentioned parameters on microstructure, grain refinement, and micro-hardness profile in the friction stirred zone of the specimens was compared by as-cast received form and also friction stir processed (FSPed) specimens without particles. Microstructural characterization of the materials revealed reasonably uniform distribution of Al 2 O 3 reinforcement and significant grain refinement. Hardness studies revealed that the incorporation of nano-and micro-size Al 2 O 3 particulates in magnesium matrix led to a simultaneous increase in hardness.
In this paper, the effects of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters on the mechanical properties and microstructures of as-cast magnesium AZ91 alloy are investigated. Grain-growth and microhardness of friction-stir-processed specimens with and without nano-sized aluminium oxide (Al2O3) particles are compared. The effects of process parameters on tunnelling cavity and other friction stir processing defects are discussed. The paper describes the proper process parameters under which a uniform distribution of nano Al2O3 composite reinforcement with good interfacial integrity and significant grain refinement can be produced. Hardness studies revealed that the incorporation of nano-sized Al2O3 particulates in magnesium matrix caused the SZ hardness to increase.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.