Wear and Frictional Behaviour of Al 7075/FA/SiC Hybrid MMC’s Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

In the present research work, an effort was made to study the wear and frictional behaviour of Aluminium metal matrix composite (Al 7075as a base alloy and fly ash (FA) and silicon carbide (SiC) as reinforcements) by using the stir casting method. To carry out this work, the wt.% of reinforcements FA (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) and SiC (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%)5%, 10%, 15% and 20% were used. Initially, the mechanical studies were conducted, and to arrive the mechanical properties obtained at 20 wt.% of FA and SiC. Later on, the composite was fabricated by 20 wt.% of FA and SiC reinforcements were used to check the wear and frictional behaviour on a pin-on-disc machine in dry condition. The dry sliding wear behaviour was carried out at various input parameters such as applied force (10 N, 20 N, and 30 N), sliding velocity (1.5 m/s, 3 m/s, and 4.5 m/s), and sliding distance (1000 m, 2000 m, and 3000 m). Further, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the microstructural behaviour of the composites and the worn surfaces during wear test. A response surface methodology (RSM) is a reasonable and accurate method for conducting the experiments and identifying the optimal wear parameters. Moreover, the RSM helped to identify the most significant factor, which was the influence on the wear rate. Finally, it was found that the applying load is the utmost significant factor that affects wear rate. The sliding velocity and sliding distance are found to have less influence on the performance indicator.