Friction stir processing of Zamak Z5 Zinc alloy sheets

Abstract

Friction stir processing (FSP) was employed to fabricate biomaterial implants by altering surface properties through SiC micro particles embedment in base metal. Consequence of machine parameters such as tool speed, feed & tool plunge depth on, microstructure & surface roughness were examined. Optical & SEM were used to studies microstructure. It was deduced that it is an effective method for the improving mechanical and tribological properties of implant material for achieving good interfacial integrity and major grain modification. It was noticed that rpm and traverse speed are directly influencing grain size i.e. with increase in rpm and traverse speed (which is feed here) causes reduction in grain size. Plunge depth (PD) is very important and effective variable responsible for the production of good exterior layer. Plunge depth value was affected to large degree by rotational speed and feed speed. In this experimental study it was unearthed that by embedding SiC particles of grain size 5μm in base metal refines or reduces grain size up to 1.838μm in stir zone (SZ)