Design and development of Fly ash reinforced aluminium matrix composite using friction stir process (FSP)

Friction stir processing (FSP) has been developed by several researchers to produce upper surface modification of metallic materials. AA6360/Fly ash surface composite was fabricated using FSP. The process parameters employed are tool rotational speed 1600 rpm, processing speed 60 mm/min, axial force 10 kN and number of passes 2. Fly ash particles were uniformly distributed and well bonded within the matrix alloy. The dry sliding wear behavior of the fabricated surface composite was evaluated using a pin-on-disc wear apparatus. The wear rate of the surface composite decreased when compared to that of the matrix alloy. The factors contributing to the enhancement of wear resistance of matrix alloy are discussed. The microstructure evaluations of the matrix alloy are also presented.