Microstructure and tribological characteristics of the Cast A356 with Tungsten nanoparticles-based surface layer composite developed by friction stir processing route

In this appraisal, The Friction Stir Processing (FSP) was utilized to incorporate 5vol% and 10vol% of Tungsten nanoparticles for the modification of the as-cast A356 alloy properties. Keeping an eye on the stipulation to improve the wear and friction behavior of the cast A356 alloy stir zone surface, the tribometer test was done under dry sliding conditions in a pin on disc instrument on different parameters such as load applied (10-40N) and sliding velocity 1-3 m/s respectively. As a result, confirmed through scanning electron microscope image fine and equiaxed grains in the stir zone surface followed by agglomeration free uniform distribution of tungsten nano particles in the matrix as it constitutes of higher value of microhardness. Moreover, wear rate and Coefficient of friction increases on increasing the load applied at higher sliding velocity condition for all fabricated surface layer composite samples , and a lower value of wear rate and coefficient of friction was found in FSP’ed cast A356 with 10vol% tungsten nanoparticles sample than the other combination samples. As a result, the look through the lens of the Scanning electron microscope revealed that the FSPed aluminium alloy with 10vol% tungsten nanoparticles was less worn and had fine grain size than that of the FSPed cast A356 alloy and FSPed cast A356 aluminium alloy with 5vol% tungsten nanoparticles. This manifests that the FSPed cast A356 aluminium alloy with tungsten nanoparticles has increased tribological properties than as-cast A356 alloy.