Modification of Aluminum Alloys to Create in-situ Surface Composites

Author

Uma Ramadorai
Rajiv S. Mishra, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Joseph William Newkirk, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

Engineered aluminum surface metal matrix composites were created by incorporating ceramic particles like WC, SiC, Al₂O₃, WC + SiC and mixture of hard particle with solid lubricant SiC + MoS₂, e.g., using friction stir processing. Processing parameters were studied and optimized to produce uniform distribution of these particles in the near surface region. Optical and scanning electron microscopy showed that the stirred region developed as deep as the pin probe. Proper tooling enables the thickness of surface zone to be controlled from thin to orders of magnitude thicker than conventional coatings. The composite is nearly defect free and forms a graded metallurgical bond with the underlying surface. No interface is developed between the composite zone and the base material. Study of properties such as hardness of the discontinuously reinforced surface composite, micro structural stability, wear resistance, wetting and other mechanical properties showed commendable increase. Volume fraction, particle size & properties and process parameters were observed to have major effect on the resulting material property. Control over the aforementioned variables was achieved leading to creation of surface metal matrix composites by design.

Recommended Citation

U. Ramadorai et al., "Modification of Aluminum Alloys to Create in-situ Surface Composites," Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Surface Modification Technologies (2005, St. Paul, MN), vol. 2006, pp. 22 - 29, ASM International, Jan 2006.

Meeting Name

19th International Conference on Surface Modification Technologies (2005: Aug. 1-3, St. Paul, MN)

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Aluminum Base Alloys; Ceramic Matrix Composites; Friction Stir Processing; Metal Matrix Composites; Molybdenum Disulfide; Process Parameters; Silicon Carbide; Solid Lubricants; Tungsten Carbide; Aluminum Base Alloys; Ceramic Matrix Composites; Friction Stir Processing; Metal Matrix Composites; Molybdenum Disulfide; Process Parameters; Silicon Carbide; Solid Lubricants; Tungsten Carbide

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-0871708472

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2006 ASM International, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2006