FRICTION STIR PROCESSING EFFECT ON WEAR AND CORROSION PROPERTIES OF MILD STEEL

In this study, a comprehensive test program had been designed to investigate the effect of friction stir processing (FSP) on wear and corrosion properties of mild steel ASTM 36. FSP was performed with varying process parameters mainly spindle speed, transverse speed and axial load to optimize best processing effects. As cast and FSPed specimens were prepared for wear evaluation and others were immersed in static tap water for certain periods of time up to 360 days for corrosion behaviour. Investigations and comparative studies were performed with an optical microscopy, hardness, tensile, wear and corrosion tests. Results proved that FSP application attributed to significant improvement in hardness, tensile, corrosion rate and wear resistance properties of the tested mild steel which will contribute to extending lifetime of steel components.