Prediction of wear strength of squeeze cast aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites using response surface methodology

Abstract

This research work deals with the investigation on the study of wear behaviour of squeeze cast aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites. The reinforcement elements are zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and graphite (C).The aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced by squeeze casting method for 6% of ZrO2 and 3% of C by varying the squeeze pressure, molte metal temperature and die preheating temperature. Dry sliding wear test was performed by using pin-on-disc to study the tribological behavior of aluminium hybrid MMCs. Response surface methodology was used to predict the wear strength of the squeeze cast aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites. Results shows that for 150 MPa squeeze pressure, 825 °C and at 250 °C the aluminiumhybrid MMCs recorded minimum wear rate. Squeeze pressure emerges as a influential parameter among the others.