Abstract
Conventional metal matrix composites (MMCs) suffer from the disadvantage of low ductility. In order to overcome this, reinforcing the metal matrix with metal particles can be taken as an alternative approach. However, processing such composites can pose serious challenges as the metal particles can either go in to solution or form undesirable intermetallics during processing through conventional routes. Friction stir processing (FSP) is emerging as a versatile tool for processing and modification of variety of materials. In the present study, metal particulate reinforced aluminum matrix composite was processed by incorporating nickel particles through friction stir processing (FSP) in one step. The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM observations revealed that particles are uniformly dispersed in the aluminum matrix with excellent interfacial bonding. FSP also lead to grain refinement of the matrix as observed by EBSD and TEM analysis. Moreover, no harmful Al‐Ni intermetallics formed in the matrix. The mechanical properties were determined by tensile tests to evaluate the effect of metal particulate reinforcement. The novel feature of the composite is that it exhibits a threefold increase in the yield stress (0.2% proof stress) while appreciable amount of ductility is retained.
Published Version
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