Characterization of novel molybdenum disulfide and cerium dioxide reinforced hybrid aluminum matrix composites fabricated by friction stir processing

Abstract Aluminum matrix composites are widely used for making structural components in the aerospace and automobile industries. In order to sustain the operational demand, excellent anti‐wear and corrosion resistance properties are required in the composites. To achieve this, molybdenum disulfide and cerium dioxide reinforced hybrid aluminum‐based composites are fabricated by friction stir processing at different rotational speed and number of passes. Due to grain refinement and better particle distribution at high rotational speed and 2 pass, tensile strength and microhardness improves by sacrificing ductility. However, deterioration of mechanical properties than the as‐received alloy is evident in all the composites due to dissolvement of strengthening precipitates. With increasing tool rotational speed, severe adhesion type of wear shifts to abrasion wear and the wear resistance also improves. All the composites show similar corrosion behavior as the unprocessed alloy. However, the corrosion parameters such as corrosion potential and corrosion current density were influenced by processing conditions. The composite produced with 1500 min −1 and 2 pass exhibits highest wear and corrosion resistance.