Multi-Objective Optimization of Dry Sliding Wear in Cryogenically Treated High-Performance AISI 9310 Steel: An Integrated Approach Using Grey Relational Analysis and Taguchi Method

Abstract

AISI 9310 steel is commonly employed in the automotive, aerospace, space, and defense sectors because of its excellent corrosion resistance and durability under pressure and impact. In this study, to enhance the surface properties and to extend the service life of the parts made from AISI 9310 steel, shallow (SCT) and deep (DCT) cryogenic treatments were applied to this material. The impact of various processing parameters on wear resistance of the material was assessed using a ball-on-disc tribometer in reciprocating mode and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). To determine the optimal processing parameters that provide the lowest volume loss and friction coefficient in dry sliding wear tests, an integrated approach of the Taguchi method and Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) has been employed. The results showed a significant increase in hardness of the material due to the cryogenic treatments; a 12% increase with SCT-applied samples, a 30% increase with DCT-applied samples. However, wear volume decreased by 7% for SCT and 14% for DCT treatments. The coefficient of friction improved by 5% with SCT and 9% with DCT process. ANOVA results indicated that cryogenic treatment had the greatest effect on volume loss (63,03%) and friction coefficient (88,75%), while load had a lesser impact. Regression analysis revealed that the model fit was excellent, with R² values of 97,63% for volume loss and 99,42% for the friction coefficient. These findings demonstrate that cryogenic treatments significantly enhance the wear resistance of the AISI 9310 steel and improved its performance across varying load conditions. These results underscore the critical role of cryogenic treatments in prolonging the service life of materials used in industrial settings.