A Study on Friction Stir Processing Parameters of Recycled AA 6063/TiO2 Surface Composites for Better Tribological Performance

This work aims to determine and select the suitable friction stir processing parameters for recycled aluminum alloy 6063 surface composites reinforced with titanium dioxide for better tribological performance. A medium range of processing parameters (1200–2000 rpm, 25–45 mm/min) were used to compare with a unique relatively high rotational speed of 2442 rpm and feed rate of 50 mm/min for the sample fabrication. The surface composites’ microhardness was measured and the friction and wear performance were tested using the pin-on-disc tribo-tester under starved lubrication conditions. The results show that surface composites produced at a high rotational speed of 2442 rpm and feed rate of 50 mm/min improved 45% in surface microhardness and reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate by 39% and 73%, respectively, compared to the substrate material.