ENHANCING MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE ON MODIFIED SURFACE AL–MG/CR3C2 BY FRICTION STIR PROCESSING

Abstract

Friction Stir Processing (FSP) is a promising solid state method and it is developed from the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) principle. FSP was employed to enhance the surface characteristics by ceramic particulate reinforced with AA5052 aluminum alloy. Initially, the machined square grove was formed on AA5052 and packed with ceramic particulate. In this research, chromium carbide (Cr3C2) is a ceramic material for improving the surface characteristics of the base material. The FSP parameters such as tool rotational speed, traverse speed and axial forces were utilized in this process. The microstructure evolutions of the processed specimens were observed by optical microscope and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) with Electron Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS). The mechanical properties like processed microhardness and tensile strength of AA5052 friction stir processed specimens were analyzed. The various microstructural zones were observed in the processed regions with dispersion of the particulates Cr3C2. The specimen fabricated at 1000 rpm tool rotational speed, 25 mm/min traverse speed and 7 kN axial force exhibits maximum microhardness and tensile strength with homogeneous dispersion of Cr3C2.