Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Properties and Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Al -Fe-Si Alloy Matrix Composites

Abstract

Aluminium alloy finds widespread applications in numerous engineering industries because of its tremendous properties. However aluminium alloy possess poor wear resistance. This study aims to analyze the effect of Al2O3 reinforcement on the dry sliding performance of AA8011 matrix composites for braking applications. AA8011 matrix composite was produced via stir casting (SC) method. The various compositions are AA8011, AA8011- 4 wt.% Al2O3, AA8011–8wt. %Al2O3 and AA8011-12wt. %Al2O3. The Al2O3 particle distribution in the AA8011 matrix was studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hardness (H), tensile strength (TS) and compressive strength (CS) of the composites were studied. As of the study it has been found mechanical properties were higher on AA8011–8 wt.% Al2O3 composites. Hence AA8011–8wt. %Al2O3 composite was subjected to wear test at different process parameters load (P), disc velocity (V) and distance (D). The experiments were demonstrated via L9 orthogonal array. The results were optimized through Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Optimum process parameters to attain the minimum wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) was identified though the Grey relational analysis (GRA). ‘P’ was the utmost significant factor for the wear resistance and COF. Results showed that, the minimum wear and COF can be achieved for the P - 10 N, V - 3 m/s and D - 1500 m. From ANOVA, it has been found that load is the utmost noteworthy parameter (58.97%) impelling wear and COF.