Abstract
In the present study, 6mm thick AA6061-T6 alloy was friction stir welded (FSWed) at different traveling speeds while Al2O3 nano-particles were incorporated between adjoining plates. To investigate the influence of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on microstructure and wear properties, solution treatment cycle was applied to FSWed specimens for 1h at 540°C then aged for 18h at 180°C. Distribution of Al2O3 nano-particles in the stir zone (SZ) was observed via scanning electron microscopes (SEM). After heat treatment, grain size changed imperceptibly. Surprisingly, all specimens exhibited inferior hardness to the as-received AA6061-T6 alloy which was attributed to precipitates solution during FSW. After heat treatment, hardness value of the specimen FSWed at 40mm/min improved. In the meantime, the uniform dispersion of Al2O3 particles in this specimen resulted in refinement and homogenous distribution of strengthening precipitates. Thanks to Al2O3 nano-particles, wear loss reduced remarkably (62%). Additionally, after heat treatment, the specimen FSWed at 40mm/min showed improved wear behavior.
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