Mechanical, microstructural and electrical evaluation of reinforced AA5083 with nano-ceramic powders of silicon dioxide Si2O3 for naval structures

Abstract Studies contributing to advanced composite materials for naval structures are essential for marine applications. However, there is a limitation in fully covered the different reinforcements' type and the manufacturing process' parameters. This paper presents the effect of adding nano-ceramic powders of silicon dioxide (Si2O3) with a specific value of 22% by volume to the base metal (BM) of AA5083, which processing by Friction Stir Processing (FSP) on the mechanical, microstructural and electrical properties. The process has been analyzed at various values of travel feed and rotational speed. A comparable study has been conducted between the unreinforced and reinforced BM at values of 25, 50, 100, and 150 mm/min in travel feed and 400, 600, and 1000 rpm in rotational speed. The optimum operation values have been elucidated to be at 50 mm/min and 600 rpm. It is elaborated that the Si2O3 nano-particles plays a vital role in improving the mechanical, microstructural and electrical properties such as ultimate tensile strength, elongation, micro-hardness, ductility, electrical resistivity, morphology and electrical conductivity. The microhardness, tensile strength and electrical conductivity attained higher quality in a percentage of 14.3%, 31.7% and 66.6%. To full examination of the optimal operation conditions, the microstructural characteristics of the produced FSP specimens affords an excellent distribution and dispersion of the nano-silica powders through the BM.