The effect of reinforcement type on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of A356 matrix composites produced by FSP

Abstract

Fabrication of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites has been pursued with a keen interest recently. However, a comparison of the effect of different reinforcements on the mechanical properties and wear resistance of A356 matrix composites fabricated by FSP is of great interest to be considered. In the present work, the microstructural, mechanical, and wear properties of A356 matrix composites reinforced by SiC, TiC, ZrO 2 , and B 4 C particles are investigated. Moreover, the effect of pin profile on distribution of reinforcing particles in the stir zone of the FSPed specimens is investigated. Hardness and wear tests are performed in order to investigate mechanical and wear properties of the composites. The composite reinforced by TiC particles exhibits higher hardness value compared with other reinforcements due to the excellent bonding between TiC and metal matrix as well as higher hardness value of reinforcement itself than other reinforcements. Moreover, wear test results show that the wear resistance of the composite is significantly improved compared with that of the base metal.

Roller Burnishing of Particle Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composites

“…Typical particle reinforcements are silicon carbide and aluminium oxide, but titanium diboride, boron carbide, titanium aluminide, or titanium dioxide can also be used [1]. The fabrication is realised by casting processes (e.g., stir casting, squeeze casting, in-situ-casting, spray casting, infiltration), powder metallurgy routes, friction stir processing [2], or selective laser melting [3].…”

“…This can be referred to the behaviour of the ceramic particles acting as load-bearing components. Furthermore, the contact area between the AMC part and the counterpart is markedly reduced [2]. However, the surface structure of the friction partners strongly affects the mechanisms of action in tribological systems.…”

Friction stir process: a green fabrication technique for surface composites—a review paper

“…It was reported that the volume percentage of doping reinforcement in surface composites fabricated through FSP mainly affected by reinforcing methods and size of groove. It was found that composite fabricated by three gradient grooves reinforcing techniques, experiences better in hardness compared to other techniques [70,71].…”

Sliding wear behavior of AZ91/B4C surface composites produced by friction stir processing

“…SiC and Al 2 O 3 are the most commonly used reinforcement particles to fabricate AZ91Mg alloy based surface composites using FSP. B 4 C particles possess lower density, higher hardness, good thermal and chemical stability comparable to SiC and Al 2 O 3 [27,28]. Nanaksharan et al reported the preliminary wear characteristics of B 4 C reinforced AZ91 matrix composite fabricated by FSP [29].…”