Enhancement of Tribological Properties of Al 6060 by Spray Coated TiO2 Nanoparticle

Abstract

Al 6060 alloy was coated with TiO2 by spray pyrolysis technique at 400 °C using Titanium isopropoxide as precursor. The adhesion of the coating with the alloy was enhanced by annealing at 450 °C for 1 h which increased the hardness by 50%. Dry sliding wear resistance was experimented based on Taguchi’s L27 array using pin-on-disc tribometer by varying parameters such as applied load (15, 25 and 35 N), sliding distance (500, 1000 and 1500 m) and sliding velocity (1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 m/s). Analysis of Variance predicted the major influence by load, followed by velocity and distance. Trend depicted an increase in wear rate with load and distance, whereas with velocity it decreased initially and then increased. Optimum condition for maximum wear resistance was determined from the Signal-to-Noise ratio. Experimental results were validated using regression equation with an error less than 3%. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis of the worn surfaces had revealed more defoilage and lay-off as the applied load was increased.