Effect of ceramic particulate type on microstructure and properties of copper matrix composites synthesized by friction stir processing

Friction stir processing (FSP) has been established as a novel solid state technique to produce bulk and surface metal matrix composites. The present work aim to produce copper matrix composites (CMCs) using FSP and analyze the effect of ceramic reinforcement type (SiC, Al2O3, B4C and TiC) on the evolving microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance behavior. A groove was made on 6 mm thick copper plates and packed with various ceramic particles. A single pass FSP was carried out using a tool rotational speed of 1000 rpm, travel speed of 40 mm/min and an axial force of 10 kN. The microstructure and distribution of the ceramic particles were studied using optical and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The sliding wear behavior was evaluated using a pin-on-disk apparatus. The results indicate that the variation in the stir zone, distribution, grain size, hardness and wear resistance of CMCs were within a short range. Nevertheless, Cu/B4C CMC exhibited superior hardness and wear resistance compared to other CMCs produced in this work under the same set of experimental conditions.