Publication

Abstract : In the present study, Al6061/zirconium carbide surfacecomposites have been developed using the friction stirprocessing method. The volume fraction of the zirconiumcarbide particles was varied as 3 %, 6 % and 9 %. The de-veloped composites were characterized using optical mi-croscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron micro-scopy. Micrographs revealed uniform distribution ofzirconium carbide particles, and addition of zirconiumcarbide particles was found to improve hardness and ten-sile properties of Al6061 alloy. Corresponding strength-ening mechanisms have been discussed and associatedwith the microstructural studies. Fractographic analysiswas found to show a reduction in ductility with increasein addition of zirconium carbide particles.