Influence of hybrid ratio and friction stir processing parameters on ultimate tensile strength of 5083 aluminum matrix hybrid composites

In this study, effects of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters and hybrid ratio on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of aluminum (Al) matrix (5083) hybrid composites (AMHCs) were investigated in detail. In order to estimate the ultimate tensile strength of the prepared composites, a mathematical formulation was derived, and test results were compared with those of the model. The effects of factors influencing strength, such as tool rotational and traverse speeds, and volume fractions of, carbon nanotube (CNT), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), graphite (Gr), silicon carbide (SiC) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) were also studied using the proposed formulation. Test results showed that the ultimate tensile strength of these composites significantly increased with increasing CNT, tool rotational and traverse speeds. In addition, the effects of complex reinforcements with different volume fractions on the 5083 AMHCs were examined. A maximum tensile strength for the hybrid composite was found at the inclusion ratio of 10% Gr + 5% ZrO2. This study may open up new possibilities to developing highly strength Al alloys for various industrial applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.