Measurement and evaluation of joint properties in friction stir welding of ABS sheets reinforced by nanosilica addition

In the present study, experimental investigation has been carried out to find effect of nanosilica addition in joining of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) fabricated by friction stir welding (FSW). Experiments were carried out under different values of tool rotations and travel speeds under presence and absence of nanosilica addition. After finding optimum welding condition, effect of pass number on distribution of nanosilica in ABS matrix has been studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results revealed that sound joints with desired characteristics and efficiency are fabricated at welding speed of 20 mm/min and rotation speed of 1600 RPM. Also, it is found from tensile testing results that addition of nanosilica reinforcement causes 26% enhancement in joint strength. Furthermore, from XRD and SEM analyses it is found that welding with two pass number results in uniform distribution of nanosilica in friction stir processed (FSP) zone which causes formation of composite like structure that adds to joint efficiency up to 100%.