Paper Title
Microstructure And Hardness Distribution In Friction Stir Welded Al6061-Tib2 In-Situ Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract
This paper reports on hardness distribution and microstructure evolution in friction stir welded(FSW) Al6061-TiB2 in-situ metal matrix composite processesd by stir casting technique. Composite plates were butt welded using FSW3T friction stir welding machine under optimized process parameters. Results show an higher micro hardness in the stir zone and parent zone where as a lower microhardness in heat affected zone. Optical micrographs reveal an extensive grain refinement and homogeneous re-distribution of fine TiB2 particles in the stir zone and formation of coarse precipitates with grain growth in the heat affected zone.