Characterization and machining studies of nano borosilicate particles reinforced aluminium alloy composites using AWJM process

Abstract

This work documents the experimental examination on mechanical properties of novel nano-boro silicate particles (nBSp) reinforced aluminium metal matrix nanocomposite (AMMNC) and machinability evaluation of the fabricated nanocomposite using Abrasive Waterjet Machining (AWJM) by adopting Taguchi's experimental design considering pressure, rate of abrasive feed and stand-off distance. Simultaneous optimization of outputs viz., material removal rate (MRR) and average roughness (Ra) is done by adopting The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology. In aluminium alloy 7075 (AA7075), different weight fractions of nBSp (3%, 6% and 9%) are reinforced, AMMNC is fabricated via liquid processing technique. Mechanical features like tensile and compressive strength and hardness are assessed based on ASTM procedures. Higher addition of nBSp produces higher tensile strength (22.14%), compressive strength (29.01%), hardness (21.49%), wear resistance (64.51%) and corrosion resistance (98.6%) as compared with as-cast AA7075. Machining studies indicate that with the increase in the percentages of nBSp leads to higher SR and MRR and higher abrasive flow rate is needed for removing material in 9%nBSp nano composite.