Critical Wear Assessment of AA8011/Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites with Surface Amendment Using Friction Stir Process 2019-28-0096

Friction Stir Process (FSP) was employed for surface modification of steel, titanium, aluminum and magnesium-based alloy has been significantly revised through the last decade. Friction Stir Process can improve surface properties such as hardness, abrasion resistance, ductility, strength, fatigue life, corrosion resistance and formability without upsetting the bulk properties of the material. The aluminum alloy having low ductility and softness characteristics are restricted because of their poor tribological properties. Preliminary studies reveal that, an ideal circumstance is to improve the aluminum alloy material life cycles by the way of strengthening the surface layer which can be modified through reinforcing nanoparticles through FSP. The main objective of the study is to improve the surface properties of AA8011 by adding nanoparticles such as SMA and silicon nitrate (Si₃N₄) through friction stir process. By the way, this experiment was carried out to obtain three set of samples like virgin AA8011, AA8011 with shape memory alloy and AA8011 along with shape memory alloy and silicon nitride during FSP under optimal process parametric condition. The nanoparticles distribution was improved after each FSP pass and improvement in mechanical properties was observed. On the other hand, to assess the tribological performance of prepared hard surface, three samples were taken for tribo meter test. During this study the influenced process parameters were varied out with 10,20,30,40 N of load and 1000, 2000m sliding distance and responses were calculated on wear rate and co-efficient of friction. The wear rate and friction coefficient for alloy, composite and hybrid composite decrease with increase in sliding distance. Further increase in the applied load, the wear rate increased, and friction coefficient decreased. Hybrid composites of AA8011 along with shape memory alloy and silicon nitride specimen have shown significant tribological outcome than other samples. This hybrid FSP sample makes them as reliable alternate material for aerospace and automotive application components in tribological areas.