STUDY ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A356/AL2O3 AND PARAMETRIC OPTIMIZATION OF WEAR BEHAVIOUR USING TAGUCHI AND RSM

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites are considered to be the center of research in materials due to their superior properties (mechanical as well as tribological) and applications. Hence, Tribological investigation of A356 (Si7 mg0.3 Fe0.2) alloy reinforced with Al2O3 nano particles (Avg <50nm) are studied and presented in this work. The specimens for the experimentation were prepared using Powder metallurgy route. Reinforcements were taken to be in concentrations of 0wt%, 2wt% and 4wt% and blended with the matrix. Tribological characterization was done with the use of Pin on Disc apparatus for varying load conditions (20, 30 & 40N) and speed conditions (400, 600 and 800rpm). Results clearly show that the rate of wear and frictionco-efficient is reduced by a larger extent due to the addition of Al2O3. Micrographs of worn surfaces showed the larger grooves which showed the material loss and it can be seen that the surface is less rough in the case of 4wt% reinforcement composite.