Development of Al5056/bagasse ash/SiC hybrid surface composite through friction stir processing

Abstract

Surface coating is the most widely used, simple, and less expensive method for surface modification of materials. For various engineering applications, Aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMC) are used, this is attributed to their higher stiffness, wear resistance, and specific strength. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a solid-phase processing method derived from friction stir welding used for the development of surface AMMCs. FSP causes grain refinement and enhances surface properties. In this research, the surface composite is synthesized by FSP with Al 5056 base metal and a mixture of SiC and Bagasse ash as reinforcement. The bagasse ash is used in varying proportions of 3, 4, 6, 9 wt% and SiC at a constant proportion of 3 wt%. Microhardness test and wear test were used to evaluate the surface properties of the surface composite. The properties increased upon the increase of bagasse ash concentration up to 6%. Also, the use of bagasse ash which is an industrial waste helps to promote the concept of ‘reuse’.