Manufacturing of gradient Al/SiC composite wire by friction stir back extrusion

Abstract

In the current research, the friction stir back extrusion (FSBE) process as a novel method was used to fabricate the gradient AA6063/SiC composite wires. The scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDS analysis was utilized. To investigate mechanical properties, hardness and tensile tests were used. The results revealed that the distribution of SiC particles in the matrix is dependent on volume fraction. Particle distribution of AA6063/6% SiC sample was uniform while that of AA6063/12% SiC and AA6063/18% SiC was gradient. Gradient distribution had an important effect on the mechanical properties of composites. The tensile strength of all composite samples was improved so that the tensile strength of the Al/12% SiC composite became 2 times greater than that of the base material. Interestingly, the elongation of Al/12% SiC composite slightly increased compared to the base metal. This was due to a unique gradient distribution of silicon carbide particles in the aluminum matrix. Generally, the presence of the SiC particles caused to significant improvement of mechanical properties compared to the base metal.