Preparation of aluminium alloy-based nanocomposites via friction stir welding

Abstract Al2O3 nanoparticles volume fraction ( V f ) effect on mechanical/microstructural characteristics of AA6061-T6 based friction stir welded samples were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with electron backscattered diffraction was employed to evaluate the microstructures, grains evolution, and fractured characteristics of weldments. Results reveal that the uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the nugget zone was achieved at 0.3 V f of RPs than 0.2 V f and 0.4 V f . Increment in V f of Al2O3 nanoparticles leads to increment in the µhardness compared to without RPs sample. Tensile strength of friction stir welded sample was significantly increased at 0.3 V f of Al2O3 nanoparticles as compared to 0.2 V f and 0.4 V f .