Friction Stirs Processing - State of The Art Process to Fabricate Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Friction stir processing(FSP) is the solid state method to fabricate the surface metal matrix composites(MMC). This process has been derived from the concept of Friction stir welding. As this process is performed in solid state, many defects related to phase transformation can be avoided. As this process is done below the melting point temperature of metal or alloy, it is easier to control the process. Machine variables (tool rotational speed, tool traverse speed, tool tilt angle etc.), tool design variables (diameter, profile and height of probe and shoulder of the FSP tool), and material properties are the main process variables to perform FSP in order to fabricate Metal matrix composite. In addition to these variables number of passes, tool traverse patterns, reinforcement particles’ content and its’ types also can be considered as process variables. Tribological properties’ comparison can be done between alloy and MMC fabricated by FSP for different combinations of process parameters. Microstructural study also can be carried out in order to see the effects of above process parameters. In this paper the above aspects are summarized and performance assessment done by various researchers has been covered.