Improvement of Mechanical Properties and Morphological Studies of Friction Stir Processed Composites

Abstract

Friction-stir processing (FSP) is a property enhancement technique which, not only removes the defects of initial casting process, but also improves the microstructure of the metals and metal matrix composites (MMCs). The process is based on frictional heating which results in a considerable dynamic plastic deformation within the metals. FSP can be specifically applied to develop fine-grained microstructures throughout the thickness of metal surface, to impart super plasticity and ensure homogeneous distribution of reinforced particles, if any. This chapter is a dedicated effort to consolidate the latest developments contributed by different researchers in last few years. The work covers various components and parameters, selected and used, for FSP to obtain specific desired results. Also, it includes past researches to exhibit various changes in mechanical properties with a keen focus on morphological study (by scanning electron microscopy) of these MMCs. In the last, a brief discussion on application and future scope of FSP processed MMC materials, is presented.