Mechanical and Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of Al6061/Gr MMCs and its Multi Response Optimization using Hybrid Fuzzy Grey Relational Technique

Abstract

An attempt is made to find the mechanical and tribological properties of Al6061/Gr metal matrix composites (MMC) produced using stir casting method. It is important to note that the certain components require high hardness and wear resistance to fulfil the functional requirements, the said properties of the MMCs influenced largely on the condition with which they are produced or treated. Therefore, in the present paper the composites are tested in two stages that is before T6 heat treatment and after T6 heat treatment respectively. The composites are made with Al6061 alloy as matrix and graphite with 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% by wt is considered as reinforcement. Once the composites are prepared, they are examined for their microstructural, mechanical, and tribological properties. Further, a response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to model the wear loss and coefficient of friction for both before and after T6 heat treatment of MMCs. The non-linear regression model obtained is validated both statistically and with the help of experimental test cases. The evidence of wear phenomenon has been observed with the help of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Further, fuzzy grey relational Technique has been used to determine the multi performance index for the dry sliding wear and friction phenomenon of the developed composite.