Abstract
Geometrically modified pins were utilized for the development of the hybrid AZ80 Mg/CeO2+ZrO2 composite by using the friction stir processing method. The local shear punching strength, structure, hardness, and wear of the hybrid AZ80 Mg/CeO2+ZrO2 composite were investigated. A change of the tool profile from cylindrical to conical pin profile eliminates particle clusters and inherent voids while the nugget shape, vortex width, and surface flash are also affected due to the tool's volumetric difference. Microstructural changes (grain and particle sizes) are also positively improved by the tapered pin tool, and these have about 24% improvement on the local shear strength of the composite while the hardness and the wear performances of the composite are also improved.
•The change of the tool from CPT to TPT eliminates flow defects and alters the physical appearance of the stirred path of the composite.•The mean grain sizes of the AZ80 Mg/CeO2+ZrO2 composite decreased from 7.48 μm to 5.72 μm by altering the tool from CPT to TPT owing to better tool-assisted plastic straining, flow behavior, dynamic recrystallization, and Zener pinning effect.•The shear stress/strength of the AZ80 Mg/CeO2+ZrO2 composite is increased by about 24% by chnaginf the tool shape that can be attributed to the microstructural changes as well as the elimination of particle clusters and voids.