A Novel AA3105-Sic Composite Fabrication Method

Conventional methods of composite production using friction stir processing are simple, rapid, and economical. However, homogenizing the reinforcing particles in the processing zone is very difficult. In addition, this method mainly focuses on surface composite production, while obtaining bulk composites is still challenging. This study investigates the production of AA3105-SiC aluminum matrix composite using the sandwich method as the manufacturing process. The SiC particles were applied through spraying as a layer between AA3105 aluminum sheets. Then, the effect of friction stir processing parameters is investigated. The results indicate an enhanced degree of stirring and plastic deformation following increasing the rotational to translational speed ratio (w / v), which leads to homogenization of the particle distribution in the aluminum matrix. By increasing the w / v ratio, the distribution coefficient decreases from 0.58 to 0.21, which indicates an improvement in the distribution of particles in the matrix. The friction stir processing using the sandwich method significantly improves the mechanical properties of the AA3105-SiC bulk composite compared with the processed samples without reinforcement, with a maximum increase of 192 % in ultimate tensile strength and 273 % in toughness at 1600 rpm and 31.5 mm/min.