Study the Microstructures of Nano-Composite Copper/zirconium Dioxide under the Process of FSW (Friction Stir Welding)

Objective/Analysis: For the first time, the FSW / PP were used in the aluminum alloys that the recent developments in equipment for operation at higher temperatures, the processhas also been used for copper base alloys, iron and nickel. Methods: In this study, a copper plate is used as the base metal, after that by adding ZrO2 ceramic powder to it and using a non-consumable tool for mixing powder in forms one, two and four-pass, Nano-composite Cu/ZrO2 has been created. Thenthe mechanical properties of the created Nano-composites were examined and compared with the base metal. Also in another part of this study, a samplewas prepared with the same conditions but without using ZrO2 powder.And in order to compare with other samples, its properties were studied. Findings: The results of abrasion tests, micro-hardness and micro-structure reviews which were done by using optical and electron microscopes showed that incomparison with base metal, a very desirableabrasion and hardness properties are obtained and fine aggregate copper which already has been considered is fully achieved.It should be noted that in the case of a four-pass process along with using powder, the processed composite layer has more uniformity and homogeneity and higher mechanical properties than the base metal and powderfree samples. Based on the results, the maximum amount of hardness is about 160 Vickers which was obtained in four-pass mode and by using the powder, in compared with the base metal hardness which was about 80 Vickers, a twofold increase is shown. Application/Improvements: The lowest coefficient of friction is associated withthefour-pass process sample by usingpowder, which has the amount of47/0; it hasdemonstrated a significant improvement about abrasion propertiesin comparing with the friction coefficient of the base metal which was about 81/0.