Tensilel Properties of AA6061-T6/SiCp Surface Metal Matrix Composite Produced By Friction Stir Processing

In this experiment, Friction stir process (FSP) was attempted to incorporate micron-sized SiC particles 20μm in average size into the commercially AA6061-T6 to form surface particulate metal matrix composite. Microstructure observations were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the nugget zone. Mechanical properties include micro hardness behavior and tensile properties were evaluated. From the results, SEM microstructure shows that the SiC particles are uniformly distributed in nugget zone without any defect. The micro hardness of nugget zone with SiC particles is higher than the as-received Al alloy. Tensile properties of the FSPed composite were reduced as compared to the as-received Al alloy