Study on ultrafine-grained aluminum matrix nanocomposite joint fabricated by friction stir welding

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of adding Al2O3 nanoparticles on the properties of joints fabricated by friction stir welding. The joints were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dry sliding wear test, and potentiodynamic polarization test. The results show that the average grain size was reduced in the nugget zone after the addition of nanoparticles. The produced welds were also found to have adequate wear and corrosion resistance. This work demonstrates that adding Al2O3 nanoparticle is an effective strategy for improving the properties of the joints produced by friction stir welding.