Characterization of AZ91/alumina nanocomposite produced by FSP

The microstructures, wear property and micro-hardness of AZ91 Mg alloy/alumina particle reinforced nano-composite produced by friction stir processing (FSP) were investigated. The initial microstructures of the AZ91 were composed of irregularly distributed β-phases (Al12Mg17), while the FSPed specimens were characterized by the homogeneous distribution of alumina particles, the recrystallized grain structure and the dissolution of β-phase. The results showed an improvement in the hardness, wear property of the FSPed zone as results of more grain refinement and pinning effect of nano-alumina particles as compared to those of the base metal. The hardness of the FSPed zone was a higher and more homogeneously distributed and the wear resistance as evaluated by Dry sliding wear tests, was superior, as compared with the base metal.