A Review on Improving the Surface Characteristics of Aluminum Alloy via Friction Stir Processing

This study presents the impact of friction stir processing (FSP) on the surface characteristics such as hardness and wear of aluminum alloys. Aluminum alloys (Al) have the potential to be applied in various engineering applications. However, it does not have the required surface properties. Researchers have been working on improving the material properties of Al alloys for the past many years. FSP has gained attention in the last decade because of its ability to modify the material’s characteristics. In the recent times, FSP has gained interest among the researchers. FSP results in an intense plastic deformation and amalgamation of materials which result in a refined and uniform microstructure, leading to better hardness values and improved wear resistance. Moreover, defects like porosity, voids, thermal cracks could be minimized in the stir zone at optimal tool parameters. This study reviews the influence of various process parameters like tool geometry, tool rotational speed, number of passes, processing regions, reinforcement particles, and volume percentage of these particles on Al alloys.