The microstructure and wear behaviour of friction stir processed AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel

ABSTRACT

The microstructure and wear behavior of Friction Stir Processed (FSPed) AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel were analyzed in the present study. FSP was performed with a tool rotation and advancing speeds of 1400 rpm 16 mm/min respectively by employing a tungsten carbide tool. The FSPed microstructure consisted of a mixture of ferrite and martensite. After FSP, microhardness increased with respect to that of the as-received material. The wear resistance of the FS processed material was significantly enhanced if compared to that of the as-received substrate. According to the SEM analyses of the worn surfaces and wear debris, a combination of adhesive wear and delamination was observed in the case of the base metal. The wear mechanism shifted to mild adhesive wear after FSP. The superior wear resistance of the FS processed AISI 430 steel was attributed to the pronounced grain refinement and to martensite formation in the stir zone.

KEYWORDS:

• Friction stir processing
• Stainless steel
• Ferrite
• Martensite
• Microhardness
• Wear
• Microstructure
• Wear mechanisms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research support received from Isfahan University of Technology, Iran and Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy is gratefully appreciated. The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from Iran National Science Foundation (INSF).