Influence of TiC Particles on the Properties of AA2017 Friction Surfaced Coatings

Friction Surfacing (FS) is a solid-state process employed for coatings that has demonstrated advancements in manufacturing aluminium matrix composites with ceramic particle reinforcements. This study explored the effect of AA2017 aluminium rods packed with TiC in the FS process and the subsequent post-processing Friction Stir Process (FSP). The analyses were carried out by light optical and scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), microhardness, and pin-on-flat wear testing. Therefore, the reinforcement significantly enhanced the FS deposition efficiency and rate (about 31%) without affecting rod consumption. It also increased the microhardness (13.6%) and the wear resistance (13% wear volume reduction) with particles spread in layers. However, the FSP thermomechanical processes modified this morphology and generated concentrated particle lines in the upper zone. It improved the wear resistance (48% wear volume reduction) compared with free-TiC coating and relieved the previous reinforcement coating hardness. In addition, the XRD analyses revealed that both processes hardly generated new phases, indicating no interaction between the matrix and the reinforcements.