Development of Empirical Relationships for Prediction of Mechanical and Wear Behavior of Copper Matrix Surface Composite by Friction Stir Processing Technique

Abstract

In this investigation, Copper Matrix Surface Composites (CMSCs) were reinforced with various ceramic particles like Aluminum Nitrate (AlN), Titanium diboride (TiB2), and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) are used to increase the metallurgical and mechanical properties by Friction Stir Processing (FSP). The Design of the Experiment (DOE) Taguchi L9 orthogonal array method was used. The process parameters considered were groove width and various types of reinforcement particles. The fabrication of CMSCs was achieved by using optimized process parameters, such as the tool transverse speed of 40 mm/min, rotational tool speed of 1000 rpm, and an axial load of 10 kN with one pass. The influence of FSP process parameters on CMSCs in the stir zone is observed through Optical Microscope (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Mechanical properties such as microhardness and wear rate are studied and compared. It reveals that good interfacial bonding was produced between ceramic particles in CMSCs. TiB2 reinforced with copper matrix surface composites enhance microhardness and had a lesser wear rate.

Keywords

• friction stir processing
• microstructure
• microhardness
• wear