Optimisation of friction stir processing parameters to produce sound and fine grain layers in pure magnesium

The effects of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters such as rotational, traverse speeds and tool penetration depth on the formation of fine and defect free magnesium layers were investigated. The achieved microstructures were optically studied, and the microhardness profile of the optimised workpiece was measured. The results show that rotational and traverse speeds as well as their ratio play key roles in achieving a sound friction stir processed workpiece of pure Mg. In addition, at constant rotational and traverse speeds, when the penetration depth increases, the title angle must also increases in order to have a defect free workpiece. At optimum conditions, one pass FSP significantly refined the grain size from 3 mm in the as received magnesium to 14·6 μm in friction stir process layer. The microhardness of the fabricated layer reached to about 1·6 times that of the base metal.     

Characterization of aluminum based functionally graded composites developed via friction stir processing

Al/SiC functionally graded material (FGM) was developed through a novel multi-step friction stir processing (FSP) method. SiC particles with a mean size of 27.5 μm were embedded in the groove on the 6082-Al plate. To create a graded structure over a predefined value, FSP was carried out with three tools with different pin lengths and with varying volume fractions of SiC particles. The structure was formed by passing tools with 1−3 passes with a constant rotational and traveling speeds of 900 r/min and 20 mm/min, respectively. The experiments were conducted at room temperature. Microstructural features of functionally graded (FG) samples were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3D light microscopy. Mechanical properties in terms of wear resistance and microhardness were thoroughly assessed. The results indicate that the increase in FSP pass number causes more uniform SiC particle dispersion. The microhardness values were impacted by the number of passes and improved by 51.54% for Pass 3 when compared to as-received 6082-Al. Wear resistance of Al/SiC FG samples was found to increase as a result of the addition of SiC particles.     

Effect of second-phase particle size and presence of vibration on AZ91/SiC surface composite layer produced by FSP

An improved method of friction stir processing (FSP) was introduced for the processing of AZ91 magnesium alloy specimens. This novel process was called “friction stir vibration processing (FSVP)”. FSP and FSVP were utilized to develop surface composites on the studied alloy while SiC nanoparticles were applied as second-phase particles. The effect of reinforcing SiC particles with different sizes (30 and 300 nm) on different characteristics of the composite surface was studied. The results indicated that the microstructure was refined and mechanical properties such as hardness, ductility, and strength were enhanced as FSVP was applied. Furthermore, it was concluded that the effect of reinforcing particles with a size of 30 nm on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the surface composite was more obvious than that of particles with a size of 300 nm. It was also found that mechanical properties and microstructure of FSV-processed specimens were improved as vibration frequency increased. The hardness value in the stir zone was about 157 MPa for the FSV-processed specimen at a vibration frequency of 50 Hz, while this value was around 116 MPa for the FSV-processed specimen at a vibration frequency of 25 Hz.     

Improving tribological behavior of friction stir processed A413/SiCp surface composite using MoS2 lubricant particles

The effect of MoS₂ lubricant particles on the microstructure, microhardness and tribological behavior of A413/SiC_p surface composite, fabricated via friction stir processing (FSP), was studied. For this purpose, the FSP was carried out with tool rotational speed of 1600 r/min, tool travel speed of 25 mm/min and tool tilt angle of 3° through only a “single pass”. The optical and scanning electron microscopies, microhardness and reciprocating wear tests were used to characterize the samples. The results showed that the addition of MoS₂ lubricant particles to A413/SiC_p surface composite leads to the decrease of friction coefficient and mass loss. In fact, the generation of mechanically mixed layer (MML) containing MoS₂ lubricant particles in A413/SiC_p/MoS_2p surface hybrid composite results in the reduction of metal-to-metal contact and subsequently leads to the improvement of tribological behavior.     

Effect of SiC particles on microstructure and mechanical property of friction stir processed AA6061-T4

Friction stir processing of AA6061-T4 alloy with SiC particles was successfully carried out.SiC particles were uniformly dispersed into an AA6061-T4 matrix.Also SiC particles promoted the grain refinement of the AA6061-T4 matrix by FSP.The mean grain size of the stir zone (SZ) with the SiC particles was obviously smaller than that of the stir zone without the SiC particles.The microhardness of the SZ with the SiC particles reached about HV80 due to the grain refinement and the distribution of the SiC particles.     

The influence of multi-pass friction stir processing on the microstructural and mechanical properties of Aluminum Alloy 6082

Samples with one through three passes with 100% overlap were created using friction stir processing (FSP) in order to locally modify the microstructural and mechanical properties of 6082-T6 Aluminum Alloy. A constant rotational speed and three different traverse speeds were used for processing. In this article, the microstructural properties in terms of grain structure and second phase particles distribution, and also the mechanical properties in terms of hardness and tensile strength of the processed zone were addressed with respect to the number of passes and traverse speeds. The parameter combination which resulted in highest ultimate tensile strength was further compared with additional two rotation speeds. FSP caused dynamic recrystallization of the stir zone leading to equiaxed grains with high angle grain boundaries which increased with increasing the number of passes. The accumulated heat accompanying multiple passes resulted in increase in the grain size, dissolution of precipitates and fragmentation of second phase particles. Increasing the traverse speed on the other hand did not affect the grain size, yet reduced the particles size as well as increased the particle area fraction. Hardness and tensile test results of the stir zone were in good agreement where increasing the number of passes caused softening and reduction of the ultimate tensile strength, whereas, increasing the traverse speed increased the strength and hardness. Increasing the tool rotational speed did not have a significant influence on particle mean diameter, ultimate tensile strength and hardness values of the stir zone, whereas, it caused an increase in mean grain size as well as particle area fraction.     

Friction stir processing of Al/SiC composites fabricated by powder metallurgy

Friction stir processing (FSP) was applied to modify the microstructure of sintered Al–SiC composites with particle concentrations ranging from 4 to 16 vol%. Two SiC particle sizes (490N and 800 grades) were examined. Following FSP, the hardness of the 4 and 8 vol% of 490N grade SiC composites increased from 130 HV and 145 HV to 171 HV and 177 HV respectively. The increase was accounted for by the severe deformation occurring during FSP which uniformly distributed the SiC particles. The composites containing 16 vol% SiC could not be fully consolidated using FSP, and contained residual pores and lack of consolidation which originated from the as-received sintered microstructure. The hardness correlated well with the mean inter-particle spacing for the SiC particles in the case of composites containing 4 and 8 vol% SiC.     

Fabrication of SiC particle reinforced composite on aluminium surface by friction stir processing

Abstract

A feasibility investigation has been carried out of the formation of surface composite by uniformly distributing SiC particles 1˙25 µm in size into a surface layer of an A 1050-H24 Al plate through friction stir processing (FSP). The SiC particle was filled into a groove cut on the Al plate, covered by an Al sheet 2 mm thick, and a rotating tool was penetrated from the cover sheet so that the probe tip reached a depth beyond the groove bottom. The effects of process parameters (rotation speed and travelling speed) and applying multiple passes on the distribution of SiC particle in the nugget zone were investigated. The effects of groove size and its position relative to the tool probe were also investigated. Applying multiple passes had a great effect on the homogeneity of the SiC particle distribution. At rotation speeds of 2000–3000 rev min^?1, the SiC particles tended to cluster in some places in the nugget zone. By decreasing the rotation speed to 1000–1500 rev min^?1, the SiC particle was distributed in almost all the nugget zone area when the groove was 2–3 mm wide and 1˙5 mm deep. On the other hand, the stirring action of FSP was insufficient to distribute homogenously the SiC particles when the groove size was increased to 3×2 mm. By shifting the groove position towards the advancing side of the tool probe, the distribution of the SiC particles in the nugget zone became better. The defect free nugget zone with homogenously distributed SiC particles was obtained in a sample produced by FSP at rotation speeds of 1500 rev min^?1 for the first pass and 1250 rev min^?1 for the second and third passes. Microhardness of the nugget zone was increased to a level as high as 55 HV when the groove size was 3×1˙5 mm. The effect of the rotation speed on the particles dispersion was discussed with particular reference to the vertical material flow in the nugget zone.     

X-ray Microtomography Analysis of the Aluminum Alloy Composite Reinforced by SiC After Friction Stir Processing

Despite many years of using friction stir processing (FSP), there are many unexplained aspects concerning the processes which appear during FSP: determining the direction of flow and mixing of the materials and the degree of mixing and microstructure fragmentation in specific areas. This paper presents the impact of FSP on the micro- and macrostructure of the composite with hypo-eutectic Si matrix reinforced by SiC particles. The analysis of the structure of the processed area in FSP in the relation to the microstructure of the base material has been made using x-ray microtomography. The results of these studies have been juxtaposed with studies using microscopic methods (light microscopy and SEM). The microtomography images revealed an additional separation on the advancing side and the weld nugget, where on the basis of a 3D reconstruction a layer microstructure on the direction of linear movement of the tool has been demonstrated. The analyses have revealed a limited flow of the material above the weld nugget. The main advantages of the research method applied were the possibility to show the invisible or barely visible elements of the microstructure using standard test methods and the ability to analyze the microstructure changes uninterruptedly in different directions in the volume of the material.     

Effect of Tool Rotation Speed on Microstructure and Microhardness of Friction-Stir-Processed Cold-Sprayed SiCp/Al5056 Composite Coating

SiC-particle-reinforced Al5056-matrix composite coatings were deposited onto Al2024 substrates by cold spraying using a powder mixture having 15 vol.% SiC. To investigate the effects of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters on the microstructure and microhardness of the as-sprayed coating, the as-sprayed composite coating was then subjected to FSP using a stir tool having a threaded pin with rotation speed of 600 rpm and 1400 rpm. Results showed that the coatings presented Al and SiC phases before and after FSP treatment, and no other diffraction peaks were detected. Fine grains were produced in the Al5056 matrix due to severe plastic deformation during FSP, and the refined SiC particles exhibited a homogeneous distribution in the FSPed coating. In addition, an evident reduction of porosity (from 0.36% to 0.08% at 600 rpm or 0.09% at 1400 rpm) occurred, and a dramatic size reduction of the reinforcement from 12.5 µm to 6.5 µm at 600 rpm or 7.0 µm at 1400 rpm was achieved. Nevertheless, the microhardness profile presented general softening and a decrease from 143.9 HV to about 110 HV.     

A novel technique for development of A356/Al2O3 surface nanocomposite by friction stir processing

A356/Al₂O₃ surface nanocomposite was produced by friction stir processing (FSP) method. X-ray diffractometery, optical and scanning electron microscopy, microhardness and nanoindentation tests were used to characterize the samples. The results indicated that the uniform distribution of Al₂O₃ particles in A356 matrix by FSP process can improve the mechanical properties of specimens. The hardness and elastic modulus of the as-received A356, the sample treated by the FSP without Al₂O₃ particles, surface micro- and nanocomposite specimens were about 75 Hv and 74 GPa, 69 Hv and 73 GPa, 90 Hv and 81 GPa, 110 Hv and 86 GPa, respectively.     

Effect of Processing Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Interstitial Free Steel Subjected to Friction Stir Processing

In the present work, the effect of friction stir processing parameters on the mechanical properties of an interstitial free steel was studied. Four rotating speeds (800, 1250, 1600, 2000 rpm) and two traverse speeds (31.5 and 63 mm/min) were employed. On both sides of specimens, a nanograin layer with the thickness and nanograins of 150 μm and 50-100 nm were formed, respectively. For the specimen processed at rotating speed of 1600 rpm and the traverse speed of 31.5 mm/min, the maximum strength was achieved, which was about 80% increase in the strength comparing to that of base material. For constant traverse speed, the increase in the rotation speed from 800 to 1600 rpm led to a decrease in uniform and total elongation of friction stir processed samples. By contrast, when the rotating speed exceeded 1600 rpm, the uniform and total elongation was increased again, while there was a drop in strength. The results of microhardness indicate more than threefold increase in the hardness of the stirred zone comparing to that of base material.     

镁合金表面搅拌摩擦原位复合材料化的新方法

为了解决搅拌摩擦加工在进行复合材料制备过程中增强相需预置,及在基体中分布不均的问题,提出表面搅拌摩擦原位复合材料化的新方法.利用搅拌头在轧制态AZ31镁合金板材上进行表面复合材料制备,并对制备的复合材料进行显微观察、微观硬度测试、表面耐磨度测试.结果表明,相较于预置搅拌摩擦加工制备复合材料的方法,文中方法能够使增强相在基体中分布更加弥散、均匀,从而进一步提高复合材料层的显微硬度,以及材料表面的耐磨度,同时简化了搅拌摩擦加工制备复合材料的工艺过程.     

On the Al5083–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Hybrid Surface Nanocomposite Produced by Friction Stir Processing

In this study Al5083–Al₂O₃–TiO₂ hybrid surface nanocomposite was successfully prepared by friction stir processing (FSP). The effects of different combination of rotational and travel speed of tool were investigated. The samples were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness and undergone tensile and wear tests. Based on the maximum tensile strength and hardness value, optimum rotational speed of 710 rpm and travel speed of 20 mm/min was achieved. The microhardness and tensile strength of the as-received alloy and specimens having optimum surface nanocomposite were about 80 Hv, 285 MPa, 140 Hv and 375 MPa, respectively. Surface nanocomposites showed significantly lower friction coefficients and wear rates than those obtained for substrate. Based on scanning electron microscopy tests, abrasive wear as dominant wear mechanism was detected.     

Microstructural modification of cast Mg alloys by friction stir processing

Abstract

Cast Mg alloys were processed using friction stir processing (FSP) to acquire a fine grained structure and high strength. Actually, FSP is a novel grain refinement method for light metal alloys. Using FSP, a cast microstructure with coarse grain size was refined to equiaxial fine grain through dynamic recrystallisation; second phase particles were finely dispersed by FSP. Moreover, FSP is effective to eliminate cast defects such as microshrinkages or porosities. Commercial die cast Mg alloy (AZ91D) and high strength Mg–Y–Zn alloy plates were prepared for FSP. Heat input using a rotational tool during FSP closely affected the microstructure in the stirred zone. Actually, FSP with lower heat input produced a finer grain size and higher hardness. Changes in the friction stir processed microstructures affecting mechanical properties were not only grain refinement, but also second phase particle distributions. Results show that alloys with high hardness by FSP have finely dispersed second phase particles without dissolution during FSP.     

Fabrication of nanostructured tool steel layer by combination of laser cladding and friction stir processing

A general fabrication process of the nanostructured tool steel layer with various carbide particles was developed by a combination of laser cladding and friction stir processing (FSP). The dendritic carbides formed by the laser cladding were crushed to carbide nanoparticles during the FSP, and were uniformly dispersed in the iron matrix. The shape and size of the carbide particles could be controlled by the conditions of the laser cladding and the FSP. The nanostructured tool steel layer formed by the laser and the FSP under the optimized conditions had a microhardness of ~ 900 HV which was higher than that of conventional tool steels.     

慢速搅拌摩擦加工对工业纯钛摩擦磨损性能的影响

目的利用慢速搅拌摩擦加工,获得工业纯钛细晶组织,提高其耐磨性能。方法采用慢速搅拌摩擦加工对TA2工业纯钛退火板材进行表面处理,获得细晶结构。使用EBSD技术和显微硬度检测仪对表面微观结构及力学性能进行表征。采用球盘式摩擦磨损试验仪对搅拌摩擦加工前后的样品进行摩擦磨损性能测试,计算磨损率,并使用SEM及EDS分析磨痕特征。结果搅拌摩擦加工处理后,工业纯钛晶粒尺寸显著细化,小角度晶界比例较高,加工硬化程度高。搅拌摩擦加工样品氧化磨损较为严重,粘着磨损程度减小。搅拌摩擦加工后,样品主要磨损方式由粘着磨损和二体磨损转变为氧化磨损和三体磨损。经过180 r/min、25 mm/min处理的工业纯钛磨损率仅为未加工样品的1/4左右。结论慢速搅拌摩擦加工可同时提高工业纯钛表面硬度及耐磨损性能,较小的晶粒尺寸及合适的加工硬化程度可减轻粘着磨损和磨粒磨损。     

Microstructure and wear performance of Al5083/CeO2/SiC mono and hybrid surface composites fabricated by friction stir processing

Friction stir processing (FSP) was utilized to produce surface composites by incorporating nano-sized cerium oxide (CeO₂) and silicon carbide (SiC) particles individually and in combined form into the Al5083 alloy matrix. The study signified the role of these reinforcements on microstructure and wear behavior of the resultant surface composite layers. The wear characteristics of the resultant mono and hybrid surface composite layers were investigated using a pin-on-disc wear tester at room temperature. The microstructural observations of FSPed regions and the worn out surfaces were performed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Considerable grain refinement and uniform distribution of reinforcement particles were achieved inside the nugget zone. All the composite samples showed higher hardness and wear resistance compared to the base metal. Among the composite samples, the hybrid composite (Al5083/CeO₂/SiC) revealed the highest wear resistance and the lowest friction coefficient, whereas the Al5083/SiC composite exhibited the highest hardness, i.e., 1.5 times as hard as that of the Al5083 base metal. The enhancement in wear behavior of the hybrid composites was attributed to the solid lubrication effect provided by CeO₂ particles. The predominant wear mechanism was identified as severe adhesive in non-composite samples, which changed to abrasive wear and delamination in the presence of reinforcing particles.     

Effect of friction stir processing tool probe on fabrication of SiC particle reinforced composite on aluminium surface

Abstract

An investigation has been carried out of the effects of tool probe shape and size on the formation of surface composite by uniformly distributing SiC particles into a surface layer of an A1050-H24 aluminium plate through friction stir processing (FSP). Tool probes of three different diameters (3, 5 and 7 mm) and four different shapes (circular with threads, circular without threads, square and triangular) have been used to fabricate the surface layers at rotation speeds of 1500–2250 rev min^?1 and a travelling speed of 1·66 mm s^?1. The SiC particles were packed into a groove of 3 mm width and 1·5 mm depth cut on the aluminium plate and covered by an aluminium sheet of 2 mm thickness. A rotating tool was plunged into the plate through the cover sheet so that the tip of the probe reached beyond the bottom of the groove. As a result, it was found that the square probe dispersed the SiC particles homogeneously in the nugget zone compared with other probe shapes regardless of the rotation speeds. Furthermore, the distributed particles and also the aluminium matrix grain size became finer by the use of square probe than those of the other shapes. On the other hand, the wear rates of the square and triangular probes were higher than that of circular shape. The worn iron debris from the tool reacted with aluminium matrix and form fine iron aluminides compound dispersed in the nugget zone. The probe size had limited effects on the homogeneity of the SiC particles distribution in the nugget zone; the distribution of SiC particles obtained by triple FSP passes was less homogeneous when the probe size was smaller. Microhardness of the nugget zone was homogeneously increased to a level as high as 60 HV with tool of square probe shape after three passes to be compared with 23 HV of the aluminium matrix beside the nugget zone.     

Fabrication of Al/Al2Cu in situ nanocomposite via friction stir processing

The aim of present work is fabrication of Al/Al₂Cu in situ nanocomposite by friction stir processing (FSP) as well as investigation of FPS parameters such as rotational speed, travel speed, number of FSP passes, and pin profile on the microstructure, chemical reaction, and microhardness of Al based nanocomposite. The Al₂Cu particles were formed rapidly due to mechanically activated effect of FSP as well as high heat generation due to Al-Cu exothermic reaction. The microstructure of the nanocomposites consisted of a finer grained aluminium matrix (～15 µm), unreacted Cu nanoparticles (～40 nm), and reinforcement nanoparticles of Al₂Cu. Irregular morphology of Al₂Cu is attributed to the local melting during FSP. Pin diameter has a higher effect on the microstructure and hardness values. The hardness measurements exhibited enhancement by 57% compared with the base metal.