Microstructural and microhardness study on fabrication of Al 5059/SiC composite component via a novel route of friction stir additive manufacturing

Abstract Friction stir additive manufacturing (FSAM) is a novel friction based additive manufacturing technology that can be effectively utilized to fabricate fully dense components in solid state with improved structural performance. In this work, Al5059/SiC composite component of approximately 20 mm height was developed using FSAM technique. Microstructural and microhardness characterization of fabricated component was done to evaluate the microstructural changes and, bonding between subsequent layers of fabricated build. Results reflected that fabricated build exhibits smaller grain size and higher micro-hardness as compared to base metal. A maximum enhancement of ∼62% in micro-hardness of the build was achieved as compared to base metal.