Fabrication and characterization of hybrid composite of Al6082/SiC/rice husk powder using friction stir processing

Abstract

Friction Stir Processing (FSP) is a technology in which the microstructure of a material, as well as the mechanical properties of this material, is enhanced by the action of friction with a special tool. There are many applications for FSP materials which are in high demand in various industries, including aerospace, shipbuilding, instrumentation, and many others. The paper presents a study of a hybrid composite made from silicon carbide powder and rice husk (RHP) as reinforcement, included in the Al6082 aluminum alloy. The study of the characteristics of the fabricated composite was performed using an optical microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Tensile strength (UTS) and hardness were determined. It was revealed by microscopy that a modification of the microstructure occurs on the surface of the composite. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence in the spectrum of elements similar to the Al/SiC/RHP hybrid composition. It is shown that UTS tensile strength and Brinell hardness is being increased by factors of 1.36 and 1.75, respectively, compared to base aluminum material.