Application of FSP technology in formation process of composite microstructure in AlZn5.5MgCu aluminium alloy surface layer reinforced with SiC particles
Józef Iwaszko, Krzysztof Kudła, Karolina Fila, Renata Caban
Quarterly No. 1, 2017 pages 51-56
DOI:
keywords: friction stir processing, surface layer, composite, AlZn5.5MgCu aluminium alloy
abstract In this study an effort was made to form a composite microstructure in the surface layer of the AlZn5.5MgCu aluminium alloy using FSP technology by introducing SiC particles to the alloy. In the experiment the multi-chamber solution was used, which consists in placing SiC powder in chambers separated one from another, cut into the modified material, perpendicular to the sample surface. To perform the friction stir processing a tool with a threaded pin was used. Evaluation of the surface treatment effects was carried out by means of both light and scanning electron microscopy. In addition EDS analysis was performed as well as a comparative measurement of hardness. The conducted examinations showed strong refinement of the of aluminium alloy structure and intense dispersion of the SiC particles in the surface layer of the material, resulting in the formation of a metal-ceramics type composite microstructure. The presence of SiC particles was found in both the stirred zone (SZ) and the thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). The consequence of the strong refinement of the microstructure and the introduction of SiC particles was a considerable increase in the hardness of the surface layer of the modified material. The performed experiment showed the effectiveness of the applied multi-chamber technology and the possibility to create a composite microstructure in the surface layer of the AlZn5.5MgCu aluminium alloy.