Hardness and Wear Behavior of Al 6061/ZrC Composite Processed by Friction Stir Processing

Friction Stir Process (FSP) was handled to produce Al6061/ZrC composite. Three different groove widths were produced to reinforce three different ZrC volume fractions (3, 6 and 9 %) in the matrix. Processing of the composite was carried out at Tool Rotational Speed of 1200 rpm and traverse speed of 30 mm/min. Microhardness test of the composites was conducted through microhardness tester. Sliding wear behavior of the composite was investigated using the pin-on-disc tribometer and the worn-out surfaces were examined to observe the wear mechanisms. Results showed that microhardness has enhanced with the addition of ZrC particles upon grain refinement, uniform dispersion, and greater bonding. The wear resistance has increased with the increase in the volume fraction of the reinforcement particles. The worn-out surface showed that wear transitioned from severe to mild type as the volume fraction of reinforcement increases.