Experimental investigations on the tribological behaviour of advanced aluminium metal matrix composites using grey relational analysis

Abstract

In this research, aluminum (Al6061) was reinforced with silicon carbide (10 wt% constant) and graphite (2 to 8 wt% with steps of 2) using stir casting. Wear behavior of the newly developed composites was evaluated using Pin-on-Disc apparatus under dry environment. During experimentation, different loads (5, 10, 15 and 20 N), disc speeds (200, 400, 600 and 800 rpm) and graphite contents were varied as per L16 orthogonal array. The performance of the material is evaluated in the form of volume loss, wear rate index and coefficient of friction. The response parameters were optimized using Taguchi coupled Grey Relational Analysis. Results revealed that the inclusion of graphite in aluminum matrix composite is a significant parameter and provides highest contribution (59.82 %) to achieve minimum volume loss and wear rate index. Disc speed is another significant parameter for these responses while load is insignificant. However, normal load and disc speed are significant parameters for minimum coefficient of friction and contribute 66.34 % and 21.45 % respectively. The outcomes of Grey Relational analysis revealed that disc speed, graphite contents and normal load are significant parameters and contribute 46.87 %, 36.63 % and 14.09 % respectively to obtain optimum tribological behavior of the newly developed AMCs. The predicted value of Grey Relational Grades (GRG) was also determined and compared with the experimental value to authenticate the results. The value of the predicted GRG is not much different from the experimental value. Hence, an optimal value of responses is obtained by Grey Relational Analysis (GRA).