Effect of Low Feed Rate FSP on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Cast 2285 Aluminum Alloy

Friction stir processing (FSP), a variation of FSW (friction stir welding) is an emerging surface engineering technology that can locally eliminate casting defects and refine microstructures, thereby improving the mechanical properties of material. FSP can also produce fine grained microstructures through the thickness to impart superplasticity. The technology involves plunging a rapidly rotating, non consumable tool, comprising a profiled pin and larger diameter shoulder, into the surface and then traversing the tool across the surface. The pin and the shoulder friction heat the surface which alters the grain structure in the processed area thereby improving the mechanical properties. This paper presents the effects of FSP on microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded cast 2285 aluminum alloy at three different feed rates viz. 10, 12 and 15 mm/min. With the increase in the feed speed the material was observed to have increased impact strength. FSP also increased the tensile and yield strengths with increases in hardness and ductility values also. The observation has been listed in detail and pictorially represented.