Reinforcement of different particulates in aluminum alloy by friction stir process technique – A review

With increased demand to develop economical and high strength lightweight ratio, composites, the Friction Stir Process (FSP) is the best method carried out from the Friction Stir Welding to fabricate such composites. FSP helps us to enhance the mechanical as well as the tribological properties of the source material by reinforcing fine grains particles into the source material. FSP is well known for its great capability to develop surface composites. FSP helps to homogenize the particle distribution and improves the standard grain refinement in the processed zone for surface improvement. Aluminum Alloys are the most promising alloy used in aerospace industries and automotive industries because of their low density, less specific weight, great strength-to-weight ratio, and decent corrosion resistance. In this study, we studied the effects of different types of reinforcement of fine grains particles in aluminum alloy [5 series, 6 series, and 7 series] on mechanical properties (microhardness and tensile Strength) as well as tribological properties (wear resistance and coefficient of friction). Different types of reinforcements are used in this study which is in the form of ceramics and metallic alloys derived into fine grains particles of micro and nano size. This review mainly focused on the current status of FSP technology in the field of composite fabrication with aluminum alloys of different types as the base material and different types of ceramics and metallic alloys, fine grains particles as the reinforcements.