Friction stir welding of ceramic particle reinforced aluminium based metal matrix composites

The mechanical and microstructural properties of 6061 + 20% Al2O3p and 7005 + 10% Al2O3p aluminium based metal matrix composites joined by friction stir welding were analyzed in the present study. The two materials were welded into the form of sheets of 7 mm thickness after T6 treatment and were tested in tension at room temperature. The microstructure of the joints was observed by optical microscopy and the fracture surfaces were analyzed by employing a scanning electron microscope equipped with field emission gun in order to study the micromechanisms involved during the deformation.