Friction Stir Processing of Aluminium3103 with Silicon Carbide

This study investigated the application of silicon carbide (SiC) particles as a reinforcing phase in friction stirprocessing (FSP) to improve the surface characteristics of Aluminium3103. The objective of the research wasto assess how FSP parameters, including traverse speed, tool rotation speed, and number of passes, affectedthe final microstructure and mechanical behaviour of the treated Aluminium3103 matrix composite. Opticalmicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to characterise the microstructure,while tensile testing and microhardness measurements were used to evaluate the mechanical performance. The findings showed significant grain refinement, the removal of casting flaws, and uniform dispersion of SiCparticles inside the stir zone. The Aluminium3103 substrate's microhardness and tensile strength significantlyincreased as a result of these microstructural changes. This study demonstrates how well FSP works to createAluminium3103 matrix composites with excellent mechanical and surface qualities.