Optimization of adhesive wear behaviour of B4C/AZ91D-Mg composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study elaborates about wear analysis of developed B4C/AZ91D-Mg metal matrix composites (MMCs) by a vacuum-based stir casting process having 2, 4 and 6 wt.% of B4C reinforcement in the AZ91D matrix. To illustrate the wear effect and its parameters of B4C/AZ91D-Mg MMCs, a set-up of a pin-on disc is used by employing the orthogonal L27 Taguchi and ANOVA method. For investigation, different loads, sliding speed and distance of 5 N, 10 N and 15 N, 1, 1.5, 2 m/s and 500 m, 750 m and 1000 m, respectively, have been considered. However, the statistical values signify the maximum significant wear resistance parameter and the signal-to-noise ratio measures the influence level of different parameters. Metallographic results conclude the uniform dispersion of B4C in the AZ91D-matrix, as well as the existence of the alpha Mg matrix and beta Mg17Al12 phases in B4C/AZ91D-Mg MMCs. Worn surfaces reveal acute delamination under high load conditions. However, statistical wear results conclude that load has a maximum influence on the wear rate as well as distance and velocity. Then, the results of ANOVA regression demonstrate the optimum correlation between the wear rate and its parameters. Finally, tabulated confirmation proofing and the percentage error results show less than 10% error.