Microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear properties of friction-stir processed S45C steel

The present study aims to investigate the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of S45C steel after friction-stir welding (FSW) by using a sliding wear test, a 3D laser scanning microscope, and an electron backscattered diffractometer. The base metal showed long ploughing and cutting, indicating adhesive/abrasive wear. After FSW, the thermo–mechanical affected zone presented better wear resistance, displaying only abrasions due to accumulated dislocations and grain refinement mainly due to continuous dynamic recrystallization. The stir zone showed the highest wear resistance, with short ploughing and cutting due to its higher strain hardening capability. [Display omitted]