Fabrication of Nano-Composite Surface Layers on Aluminium Employing Friction Stir Processing Technique

Al/Al(2)O(3) nano-composite surface layer was fabricated via friction stir processing technique. Commercial AA6082 aluminum alloy extruded bar and nanometric Al(2)O(3) powder were subjected to friction stir processing at a substrate travel speed of 80mm/min and a tool rotation speed of 1000rpm using a hardened H-13 tool steel. The grain structure and reinforcement particles were investigated by using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that AbetaO3 particles can be more uniformly dispread in aluminum substrate by increasing the number of processing passes. Also, hardness enhancement of the nano-composite surface layer was found. This is attributed to uniform dispersion of AbetaO3 particles.