Microstructural analysis of B4C and SiC reinforced Al alloy metal matrix composite joints

This paper presents the investigations on joining 10-mm Al metal matrix composite plates with particles of SiC and B 4 C as reinforcement using friction stir welding (FSW) process. This study majorly focuses on the metallurgical characterizations to explore the microstructural behavior of the welded specimen subjected to constant load of 10 KN, rotational speed of 1000 rpm, and traveling speed of 75 mm/min of the FSW tool. Further, tensile and hardness properties of the welded specimens are investigated and related to the microstructural variations. The results reveal vital information on the distribution pattern of the elements in the Al metal matrix composite (MMC) in the weld region leading to variation in the mechanical strength. The feasibility of joining Al MMC with FSW is also established through this study.