Friction stir processing based surface modification of AZ31 magnesium alloy

In the present research, AZ31-ZrC surface composites were fabricated through friction stir processing wherein varying fractions of ZrC particles (5, 10 and 15 volume percentage) was dispersed onto AZ31 surface. A study on microstructure variation of developed magnesium surface composites demonstrated a homogeneous distribution of ZrC particles which along with processing attributed to the enhancement of mechanical properties of developed surface composites. Hardness and tensile strength tend to increase with respect to introduction of reinforcement particles and correlation of strengthening mechanisms with microstructure of fabricated surface composites was done in this research. Wear behavior studies showed that predominant wear mechanisms were abrasive and delamination wear and a reduction in wear were observed with respect to increase in particle dispersion.