Development of dissimilar AA2014 and AA2024 based composite with nano-Si₃N₄ reinforcement by friction stir process technique

The present study highlighted the nano-Si3N4 addition effect on microstructural and mechanical characteristics, such as hardness and tensile properties of the dissimilar AA2014 and AA2024 based composite material. The fabricated composites were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The experimental findings revealed that the FSP technique produced a uniform distribution of nano- Si3N4 particles in the aluminum matrix (AA2014 and AA2024), which provided a significant improvement in the mechanical performance of the composite developed after triple tool passes. Fair interfacial reaction layer was identified between nano-Si3N4 and alumnium matrix. The addition of nano- Si3N4 particles in the aluminum matrix composite enhanced the hardness by 21.91% compared to the un-reinforced aluminum matrix composite. Moreover, the tensile strength of the composite was improved by approximately 14.42% in comparison to the base aluminum matrix. However, composite developed in triple tool passes produced a nanocrystalline layer near the surface of the material, which improved the wear resistance of the composite.