Fabrication of Al5083/B4C surface composite by friction stir processing and its tribological characterization

Improved surface properties with the retainment of bulk properties are necessary for a component for enhanced wear characteristics. Friction stir processing (FSP) is used to produce such surface composites. Fabrication of 5083 aluminum alloy with reinforced layers of boron carbide (B4C) through FSP was carried out. Micro and nano sized B4C particles were used as reinforcements. The friction processed surface composite layer was analyzed through optical and scanning electron microscopical studies. The number of passes and the size of reinforcement play a vital role in the development of surface composites by FSP. Mechanical properties of the friction stir processed surface composites were evaluated through micro hardness and universal tensile tests. The results were compared with the properties of the base metal. The role of reinforcement and number of passes on properties were also evaluated. Tribological performance of the surface composites is tested through pin on disk test. The surface composite layer resulted in three passes with nano particle reinforcement exhibited better properties in hardness, tensile behavior and wear resistance compared to the behavior of the base metal. (C) 2015 Brazilian Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Association. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.