Dual sided composite formation in Al 6061/B4C using novel bobbin tool friction stir processing

A novel material processing approach using the bobbin tool technique called bobbin tool friction stir processing (BTFSP) was developed to simultaneously fabricate two-side composites. The feasibility of simultaneous fabrication of composites on the top and bottom sides of the workpiece using B4C reinforcement particles into Al 6061 alloy was successfully studied in the present paper. Excellent dispersion of the B4C particles obtained at the bottom side of the workpiece by this technique. The metallurgical investigation of Al 6061/B4C double side composites was carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties include sliding wear behavior, and microhardness of the fabricated composites was studied in detail. The results indicated a more uniform distribution of B4C particles with 3 passes. The grain refinement and homogeneous distribution of the B4C significantly improved microhardness and wear properties of the fabricated composites compared to as-received Al. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

A novel material processing approach, bobbin tool friction stir processing (BTFSP), was developed to fabricate two-side composites simultaneously. The technique successfully achieved excellent dispersion of B4C particles at the bottom side of the workpiece and significantly improved the microhardness and wear properties of the fabricated composites.