U. Ramadorai, Cummins Inc., Columbus, IN; J. W. Newkirk, R. Mishra, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO; J. Hawk, U.S. Department of Energy, Albany, OR

Summary: Aluminum surface metal matrix composites were fabricated by friction stir processing to serve as wear resistant coatings of desired thickness. Hard ceramic particles like WC and SiC were incorporated controlling volume fraction and particle size. Commendable increase in hardness and decrease of wear observed. Composite coating by design achieved.