Characterization on Specific Wear Rate of Al Composite Reinforced with nano-Al2O3 Using Taguchi’s Technique

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was to study and predict wear properties of nano Al2O3 reinforced Al composite fabricated by a two-step stir casting method. A pin-on-disc wear device was used to study the wear characteristics. An L9 Orthogonal array was selected as per Taguchi's method to analyze the results and ANOVA was used to examine the impact of applied force, sliding speed, and duration on specific wear rates with "smaller the better" as selection criteria. As per the investigation, applied load significantly influences the particular specific wear rate. Sliding duration is the second most important factor, whereas sliding speed is the factor that has the lowest impact on a given specific wear rate. We created a regression equation with R2 and adj R2 of 99.85% and 99.76% respectively that can estimate the specific wear rate of nano Al2O3 reinforced Al composite. An apple-to-apple comparison between experimental and projected values was built using two confirmation tests, and it revealed an inaccuracy of 2.1% and 6.6%, using a scanning electron microscope. The worn-out surface of the samples with the lowest and greatest specific wear rates was examined and identified with unique oxidation layers and cracks.