Wear behaviour of aluminium/alumina/graphite hybrid metal matrix composites using Taguchi's techniques

Abstract

Purpose

Recent advances in modern technology have generated the need to develop newer materials for better antifriction and wear properties. The objective is to analyse the significance of design parameters that significantly affects the dry sliding wear.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological behaviour of aluminium alloy (Al‐Si10Mg) reinforced with alumina and graphite produced by liquid metallurgy is studied using pin‐on‐disc wear test apparatus under dry sliding condition. Experiments are conducted based on the plan of experiments generated through Taguchi technique. A L27 Orthogonal array is selected for analysis of the data. Influence of applied load, sliding speed and weight percentage of reinforcements on wear rate as well as the coefficient of friction during wearing process is studied using analysis of variance technique and regression equations for each response are developed. Finally, confirmation tests are carried out to verify the experimental results.

Findings

Mechanical property such as hardness has been evaluated and it was found that the hardness increases as reinforcement content increases. The wear rate and coefficient of friction increases by increasing load and decreases by increasing sliding speed and weight percentage of reinforcements. Results from analysis of variance reveals that the applied load has the highest influence on both wear rate and coefficient of friction, followed by sliding speed and weight percentage of reinforcement.

Practical implications

Aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites showing ample success in improving strength and wear resistance by utilising the optimal process condition.

Originality/value

The results obtained by this method are useful in improving the dry sliding wear resistance.

Citation

Radhika, N. and Subramaniam, R. (2013), "Wear behaviour of aluminium/alumina/graphite hybrid metal matrix composites using Taguchi's techniques", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 65 No. 3, pp. 166-174. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791311311169