Microstructure and micro-mechanical properties of friction stir processed Al 5086-based surface composite

The present research work investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir processed aluminium alloy 5086 based surface composite at micro-level. Towards the fabrication of surface composite, graphene and silicon carbide nano-particulates were introduced as a reinforcing medium. The mechanical properties at the micro-level were evaluated via in-situ micro-pillar compression. Based on experimental data, it was found that friction stir processing introduced severe plastic deformation, together with uniform distribution of the constituents phases and ensure grain refinement (from 4.19 µm to 1.59 µm), compared to the bulk material. This microstructural development had a positive impact to increase the compressive strength of the friction stirred processed composite, up to 193.3 MPa, compared to 147.8 MPa to that of bulk material. In addition to that, the deformation of the material possesses ductile fracture with enhanced plasticity, due to the incorporation of nano-particulate graphene and silicon carbide.