Studies on tribological behavior of aluminum hybrid composites strengthened with MoS2 and wheat husk ash

Abstract

The current study examines the dry sliding wear characteristics of a hybrid aluminum matrix composite reinforced with wheat husk ash (WHA) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), produced through the squeeze casting technique. Experiments were conducted utilizing Taguchi's L27 (3)13 orthogonal array, with input parameters including applied load (20, 30, 40 N), sliding speed (1, 2, 3 m/s), reinforcement percentage (wt. 2.5, 5% and 7.5%), while wear and friction coefficient were observed as measurable responses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results highlighted that the reinforcement percentage had the most significant impact on the wear behavior of the hybrid composite. Notably, the (Al/5WHA/5MoS2) hybrid composite exhibited superior wear resistance (129 µm), accompanied by a 27% increase in hardness compared to the parent metal. Surface morphology analysis of worn-out specimens depicted the presence of fine grooves, delamination, and cracks.