Study of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum 6092/SiC_25p/t6 friction Stir Welded Plate

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new joining technique and the application of the technique is still limited. Among the advantages of this method compared to the conventional welding techniques is that it reduces problem associated to metal re-solidification as the technique involves no melting stages. Such advantages are especially applicable for joining high strength aerospace material such as aluminium Metal Matrix Composite (MMC). In this study, the physical and mechanical properties of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) on aluminium 6092/SiC25p/T6 was discussed and established. Weld characteristic was analyzed using SEM, EDX and XRD, while mechanical properties were analyzed using Vickers hardness and tensile test. Weld microstructure observation shows distribution of fine and coarse particle cross the weld area. Microstructure analysis reveals difference in redistribution of particles between the zones in the weld area, which consist of the weld centre, advancing and retreating side of the tool. XRD results depict insignificant difference of post weld stresses as well as maintained material phases. The weld centre shows increase in hardness and an adequate retainment of the material strength. In conclusion FSW causes changes in the material microstructure due to the onset of plastic deformation and the post weld result shows it does retain or even improve some of the material properties.