A combined friction stir processing and ball milling route for fabrication Al5083-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite

Abstract

In this research, friction stir processing (FSP) was used to manufacture Al5083 nano composites reinforced with Al2O3 nanoparticles and mixture of Al5083/Al2O3 nanocomposite. The aim was to investigate the effect of separate addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles and a pre-homogenized mixture of Al5083-Al2O3 on the microstructural and mechanical behavior of FSP nano composites. Microstructural studies revealed a homogeneous dispersion of Al2O3 nanoparticles within Al matrix during FSP. However, the dispersion of Al2O3 nanoparticles in Al–Al/Al2O3 nanocomposite sample was much more significant than Al-Al2O3 sample indicating the proficiency of ball milling. Well-dispersed Al2O3 nanoparticles was contributed to a significant improvement in the hardness and tensile properties of both FSPed nano composites. Due to the more homogeneous dispersion of Al2O3 nano particles within Al5083 matrix, Al–Al/Al2O3 nanocomposite showed higher ductility and strength when compared to the Al-Al2O3 nanocomposite. In Al–Al/Al2O3, the improvement of tensile strength was obtained in parallel to an increase in the ductility.