Microstructural Modification and Surface Hardness Improvement in Al-Mo Friction Stir Surface Composites
Grain size and particle distribution in surface composites as function of RPM
Abstract
Molybdenum-reinforced aluminum matrix surface composites have been fabricated using friction stir processing. The Mo reinforcement results in an increase in the hardness and a decrease in the grain size. The Mo particle size and its dependence on the tool rotational speed are important for fabrication of highperformance composites. However, the effect of the tool rotational speed on microstructure, particle size and distribution, and hardness is not known. Here, we present microstructural and microhardness analysis of Al-Mo surface composites for varying tool rotational speeds. Increase in tool rotational speed results in reduced particle size, better particle distribution, and reduced grain size. The surface hardness also increases with an increase in the tool rotational speed.
Mahesh V.P.
Assistant Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, PEC
Mahesh works on surface composites fabrication using friction stir processing. His major focus is on the electrochemical and mechanical behavior of Aluminium matrix surface composites. He also performs tribological analysis of metal matrix composites. Other major fields of interest are liquid metal stir casting, centrifugal casting and functionally graded materials (FGM).