Influence of Process Parameters on Specific Wear Rate of nano Al 2 O 3 reinforced Al Composite Using Taguchi’s Technique

Abstract

Abstract Aluminum is widely used in many engineering fields for its exceptional qualities. However, aluminum has poorer wear characteristics. The aim of the investigation was to study the effect of process parameters on the wear properties of nano Al2O3 reinforced Al composite fabricated by a two-step stir casting method. A pin-on-disc wear device was used to study the wear characteristics of an Al composite reinforced with nano-sized Al2O3. Based on Taguchi's method, tests were planned, and a L9 Orthogonal array was selected to analyze the results. We used ANOVA to examine the impact of applied force, sliding speed, and duration on certain wear rates. This model's goal was to assess the specific wear rate with "smaller the better" as the selection criteria. Out of all the process parameters, applied load has been found to be the one that most significantly influences the particular specific wear rate. Sliding duration is the second most important factor, whereas sliding speed is the factor that has the lowest impact on a given specific wear rate. We recreated a regression equation with R2 and adj R2 of 99.85% and 99.76% respectively that was utilized to estimate the particular specific wear rate of nano Al2O3 reinforced Al composite. An apple-to-apple comparison between experimental and projected values was built using two confirmation tests. It revealed an inaccuracy of 2.1% and 6.6%, respectively, with a specific wear rate of Al composite. Using a scanning electron microscope, wornout surfaces of the specimen with the lowest and greatest specific wear rates were examined. As per the investigation, lowest specific wear rate obtained due to formation of fewer oxide layers at the worn out surface of specimen and highest specific wear rate obtained due to cracks and deep groves at the worn out surface of specimen.