Wear Characteristics Optimization of Al-7.5%Sic Metal Matrix Composite Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

In the present paper an attempt has been made to optimize the wear behaviour of Al7.5%SiC metal matrix composite using Taguchi Method. Al-7.5%SiC metal matrix composite is synthesized using LM6 aluminium alloy as matrix metal and Silicon carbide as reinforcement using Stir casting process. Using L27 orthogonal array and Taguchi method the optimization of wear behaviour of the composite is carried out. The L27 orthogonal array is constructed using three levels of each tribological testing parameter Load (L), Sliding Speed (S) and Time (T). The wear tests are conducted in a Multi-Tribotester (DUCOM TR-25) using a block on roller arrangement at various combinations of the testing parameters. The analysis of the result is carried out using wear depth as system response. Furthermore, ANOVA analysis is carried out to find out the significant test parameters and their interactions affecting the wear behaviour of the composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is carried out to identify the wear mechanism.