Investigation of the effect on mechanical and tribological properties of al5083 alloy of friction stir process

The friction stir process (FSP) is a simple process used to change the microstructure of metallic materials and to produce surface composites, and is a method advantageous because the process parameters are easy to control. Fine grained microstructure recrystallized with FSP can be obtained. The most effective way to achieve high mechanical properties at low cost in the friction mixing process is to use it widely. The fricton mixing process is nowadays in the form of ships, planes, space, vehicles and etc. it has begun to be used in many industries. It has become preferable to improce the mechanical and tribological properties of many materials such as Alüminium, Magnesium, Copper and Titanium. In this study, the effects of FSP applied at different passes number on the mechanical and tribological properties of Al 5083 alloy were investigated. Metallographic analyzes were made by optical microscope and hardness values were determined by micro hardness tester. The friction and wear properties were determined with a pin-on-disc wear tester. Worn volumes were measured with noncontact optical profilometer and the wear surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared to the untreated Al5083 alloy, the hardness values of the FSP-treated Al5083 alloys increased, the friction coefficients were significantly reduced and the wear resistance increased. In addition, the increased number of passes increased the wear resistance and hardness of the Al5083 alloy.