Central Composite Experimental Design Applied to the Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Mg/Mica Composites

Abstract

A five-level four-factor central composite design multivariable model was constructed for the evaluation of the combined effect of operating parameters such as percentage reinforcement (0–10%), load (5–25 N), sliding speed (1–5 m/s), sliding distance (500–2500 m) on the wear rate of mica reinforced metal matrix composites. The microwave-assisted powder metallurgy technique was used to fabricate the composites. The wear tests were performed according to statistical designs to develop an empirical predictive regression model. The interaction of percentage reinforcement and sliding distance indicated the significant impact on wear rate. The statistical analysis confirms the optimum composition of mica blends leading to the best possible wear rate. No rapid wear region was identifiable in the morphology of worn composite surfaces.