Experimental investigations on Fabrication and characterization of Surface modified cuni zrc metal Matrix composite using friction stir Process

Abstract

A major requirement of the modern manufacturing process is improved efficiency. Conventional alloys have limitations in enhancing the performance of components beyond a certain level. Hard particulates (ceramic particulate) reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have acquired the attention of the recent era. MMC s have created an enormous impact on engineering materials due to their superior mechanical properties and wear behaviour over the conventional materials. The selection of specific particulate that is suitable for a given application is an essential factor in the development of the composite. MMCs find application in military, space shuttles, aircraft structures and shipbuilding. In many applications, the surface properties of the component are most important rather than the bulk material properties. Surface modification technique plays a major role in enhancing the properties of conventional materials. Some of the surface modification processes require pre and postprocessing techniques. On the other hand, some of the processes like electroelectroless process and thermal spray technique are limited by the adhesion effect. Surface modification methods provide a promising way for the development of engineering components, to overcome the limitations of the conventional materials. Cupronickel (also known as copper-nickel (CuNi)) is an alloy of copper that contains nickel as major alloying elements. A major application of Cupronickel alloys is in marine applications, seawater pipework, automotive applications and Integrated Circuit (IC) sealing materials newline