Studies on friction stir processing parameters on microstructure and micro hardness of Silicon carbide (SiC) particulate reinforced Magnesium(Mg) surface composites

Friction stir processing (FSP) is promising as a capable method for producing surface composites in aluminum and magnesium-based alloys. In FSP a specifically intended rotating cylindrical tool that includes of a pin and shoulder that have dimensions relative to the plate thickness. The pin of the rotating tool is forced into the material and the shoulder comes into contact with the surface of the sheet, and then pass through in the desired direction. The present work focused to fabricate Silicon carbide (SiC) particulate reinforced Magnesium (Mg) surface composites. The effect of FSP parameters such as tool rotational speed, processing speed and wt % SiC on microstructure and micro hardness was investigated. A groove was contrived on the 6mm thick Mg plates and packed with SiC particles. FSP was carried out using Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array. Scanning electron microscopy and XRD were employed to study the microstructure of the fabricated surface composites. The results indicated that the selected FSP parameters significantly influenced the area of surface composite, distribution of SiC particles and microhardness of the surface composites.