Effect of Friction Stir Forming Parameters and Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Fibre-Reinforced Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

Fibre-reinforced materials have garnered attention due to their significant properties such as abrasion and heat resistance, as well as specific strength, which can result in environmental conservation and improved mechanical properties that can solve the limitation of developing light-weight constructions. A new method of joining stainless steel strands with an aluminium alloy using friction stir forming has recently been developed in our laboratory. In present study, the influence of the process parameters on the mechanical properties of a fibre-reinforced aluminium alloy using friction stir forming was investigated. In particular, the effect of process parameters on microstructure, hardness, and tensile properties of A5083 and A6061 alloys was evaluated. The highest tensile strength was observed at 880 and 1,240 rpm, whereas for lower rotation speeds (440 and 620 rpm), the strength decreased due to low temperatures and lower heat input. Heat treatments were applied to improve the mechanical properties of the developed A6061 fibre-reinforced composite. The effects of process parameters and heat treatment conditions on mechanical properties were experimentally investigated, and it revealed improved mechanical properties after applying T6 and age hardening treatments. It was confirmed that the strength after the heat treatment of A6061 was higher than that of the base material (310 MPa), and a high strength of 345 MPa was obtained at a rotation speed of 1240 rpm. It was concluded that rotational speed and heat treatment conditions significantly affect the metal microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint.