Fabrication of AZ31/MWCNTs Surface Metal Matrix Composites by Friction Stir Processing: Investigation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

The surface metal matrix composites of AZ31 Mg alloy reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been fabricated through the friction stir processing by a conventional and two stepped tools. The microstructure and mechanical properties of fabricated composites were studied by optical and electron microscopy, microhardness and tensile tests, respectively. The processing has developed a fine-grain structure along with good distribution of reinforcements. The hardness and tensile strength of fabricated MWCNT/AZ31 composites are generally higher than as-received and FSPed samples. The accumulative effect of grain refinement and reinforcing nanotubes is assumed to be the reason for increasing the ductility after friction stir processing. The hardness is nearly doubled for FSPed samples and some more for nanocomposites compared with the as-received sample. The elongation of nanocomposites is about two times greater than that of the as-rolled sample. The speed ratio, pass number and CNT amount are three important factors influencing the resulting microstructure and mechanical properties. The stepped tools also give a more uniform distribution of reinforcement and higher grain refinement.