Study on Mechanical and microstructural characteristics of Friction Stir Welded Aluminium Matrix composite

Abstract

Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) are part of advanced materials, possesses capabilities to serve the present industrial needs due to its superior properties. Potential use of these AMCs in a particular application is limited if it is unable to join properly. In the present study AMCs are prepared by stir casting technique and welded by friction stir welding (FSW) process. FSW is performed using combined threaded and square profiled pin (CTSP). Further the welded joints were examined for microstructure and joint strength. Tensile test indicates that joint efficiency of 97 % is obtained, normal to the weld direction. Compare to the base material the nugget zone of weld region shows higher hardness. The microstructural study reveals that uniform distribution of finer grains are visible at nugget zone. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd.