AZ91 Magnesium Alloy CMT Cladding Layer Processed Using Friction Stir Processing: Effect of Traverse Speed on...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Solid-State Processing

Background:

• Cold Metal Transition (CMT) technology is used to prepare AZ91 magnesium alloy cladding layers.
• Friction Stir Processing (FSP) is a solid-state technique for improving material properties through microstructural modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of traverse speed during FSP on the microstructure and mechanical properties of CMT-prepared AZ91 magnesium alloy cladding.
• To determine the optimal FSP traverse speed for enhanced mechanical performance.

Main Methods:

• FSP was applied to AZ91 magnesium alloy cladding layers produced by CMT.
• The effect of varying traverse speeds (at a constant rotation speed of 300 r/min) on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties was analyzed.

Main Results:

• FSP effectively reduced grain size and dispersed the coarse β-Mg17Al12 phase within the α-Mg matrix.
• Mechanical properties significantly improved due to grain refinement and second-phase strengthening.
• Optimal mechanical properties, including microhardness, tensile strength, and elongation, were observed at a traverse speed of 60 mm/min.

Conclusions:

• FSP is an effective method for enhancing the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy cladding.
• Traverse speed is a critical parameter in FSP, influencing grain size, phase distribution, and overall material performance.
• The study identified specific processing parameters for achieving superior mechanical characteristics in FSP-treated AZ91 magnesium alloy.