Influences of nano-green lubricants in the friction-stir process of TiAlN coated alloys

Abstract

The present article investigates the effect of the friction stir process on the ultimate tensile strength and microhardness of an TiN-coated AA 6061 alloy using a green nanolubricant to reduce wear and minimise environmental impacts. In this study, a one-variable-at-a-time approach is utilized to conduct the experiment using aluminium oxide nanoparticles mixed with sunflower oil as a green lubricant. The matrix material used is AA6061 alloy, and TiN particles are used as reinforcement to form the aluminium surface composite (AA6061/TiN) through the friction stir process. The input parameters considered to improve the tensile strength and microhardness of the surface composites are axial thrust, tool speed, table travel speed, and percentage of TiN. The results indicate that by increasing the tool speed, table speed, axial thrust, and mixed TiN particle percentages, the maximum tensile strength and microhardness of the aluminium composites can be achieved. However, the lowest response values are obtained at their lowest values. To summarize, the findings suggest that the friction stir process can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of the aluminium composites by optimizing the processing parameters.