Wear and Corrosion Behavior of Cryogenic Friction Stir Processed AZ31B Alloy

This research work investigated the influence of friction stir processing under cryogenic treatment on the wear and corrosion behavior of an extruded AZ31B alloy. The experimental work that employed rotational speeds of 800, 1000, and 1200 rpm have been used, keeping the tool feed rate constant at 60 mm/min. The wear mechanism of the AZ31B alloy and cryogenic friction stir processed specimens were studied using a high magnification of SEM images. A lower wear rate was attained under cryogenic conditions which are around 20% better than the base metal. The results revealed the achievement of a lower corrosion rate at the rotational speed of 1000 rpm. The presence of fine grains and the absence of defects in the processed region lead to higher hardness.