Microstructural Modification of Al-base Composite by Friction Stir Processing

Abstract

A novel surface modifying technique, Friction Stir Processing, is used toenhance mechanical properties of Al-Si / Al2O3 composite, through microstructural refinement and homogenization. The effect of processing parameters onresultant microstructure and wear rate is investigated in this work.The Friction Stir Processing resulted in significant breakup of the coarse Siand Al-dendrites and uniform distribution of Si and Al2O3 in the matrix withsignificant micro structural refinement. These microstructures changes lead tosignificant improvement in wear resistance of composite