Effect of traverse speed on microstructure and microhardness of Cu/B 4C surface composite produced by friction stir processing

R. Sathiskumar, N. Murugan, I. Dinaharan, S. J. Vijay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Friction stir processing (FSP) has evolved as a potential candidate to fabricate surface composites. This paper investigates the influence of traverse speed on microstructure and microhardness of Cu/B4C surface composite fabricated using FSP. The traverse speed was varied from 20 to 60 in steps of 20 mm/min. The tool rotational speed, axial force and groove width were kept constant. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to study the microstructure of the fabricated surface composites. The results indicated that the traverse speed significantly influenced the area of the surface composite and distribution of B4C particles. The area of the surface composite was found to bear an inversely proportional relationship to traverse speed. Lower traverse speed exhibited homogenous distribution of B 4C particles while higher traverse speed caused poor distribution of B4C particles in the surface composite.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)333-337
Number of pages5
JournalTransactions of the Indian Institute of Metals
Volume66
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Friction stir processing
  • Microhardness
  • Microstructure
  • Surface composite

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Metals and Alloys

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