Improving WE43/SiC surface nanocomposite properties: a study on post-friction stir processing heat treatment
摘要
To improve the surface hardness, wear, and corrosion resistances of friction stir processed WE43/SiC surface nanocomposites through the post-heat treatment process. WE43/SiC surface nanocomposites fabricated at different tool transverse speeds (30 and 60 mm/min) and tool rotation speeds (800 and 1700 rev/min) were heat-treated at 250 °C for 16 h, followed by testing for surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance and analyzing microstructural changes. The microhardness, wear, and corrosion resistances increased by 6.7%, 74.4%, and 79.7% respectively, primarily caused by grain structure refinement triggered by the post-heat treatment process. Also, surface nanocomposites fabricated at 1700 rev/min and 60 mm/min exhibited the best results. This study demonstrates that post-heat treatment is a simple and effective method to enhance the properties of friction stir processed WE43/SiC surface nanocomposites through grain structure refinement.