Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Surface Composites of Cu-SiC Fabricated through FSP

Abstract

The current study investigates copper surface composites reinforced with 20-micron-sized Silicon Carbide (SiC) particles. The copper silicon carbide (Cu-SiC) surface composites were fabricated with enhanced mechanical characteristics at various levels of reinforcement, ranging from 2% to 12% by volume, were achieved by adjusting the Rotation Speed (TRS) of the tool to 900 rpm and the Traverse Speed (TS) to 40 mm/min, employing the square grooves method (SQ) with Friction Stir Processing (FSP). Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Yield Strength (YS), percentage of Elongation (%EL), Impact Toughness (IT) and micro hardness (H) were assessed. The results showed a modest improvement in the mechanical properties of the Cu-SiC, attributed to factors such as increased recrystallisation temperature, pinning effects and the volume percentage of reinforcement particles. Microstructural analysis was conducted on cross-sectional views of the Stir Zone (SZ), perpendicular to the FSP direction, using an optical microscope. It was observed that Cu-SiC composites fabricated with 12% vol. of SiC reinforcement particles exhibited small and equated grains, indicating the presence of heterogeneous nucleation sites for SiC particles, which influenced the dynamic recrystallisation of copper grains. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the absence of intermetallic compounds in the SZ. The mechanical properties were found to be closely correlated with the microstructure and fracture behaviour observed in the study.