Study of optimization of process parameters on the wear behaviour of Al7075-aluminium oxide composites using Taguchi...

Aluminium alloy based composites are employed in numerous applications that require outstanding performance due to their superior mechanical characteristics, including higher strength, stiffness, and wear resistance. They are used in engine parts like pistons and connecting rods to improve performance and durability. In this work, Al7075 is employed as the matrix material. Aluminium oxide particulates were chosen as the reinforcing particles. The Al7075-6%Al₂O₃ composites were manufactured using the stir casting technology. Scanning electron microscopic instrument was employed to investigate the microstructure of Al7075-6%Al₂O₃ composites. The microstructure analysis of Al7075-6%Al₂O₃ composites revealed the even dispersion of Al₂O₃ particulates throughout the Al7075 matrix. The Pin on disc apparatus was utilized to conduct a wear experiment on Al7075-Al₂O₃ composites. Taguchi methodology was employed to optimize the wear process factors of the produced composites for enhanced performance. According to ANOVA outcomes, the most impacting factor was the sliding distance 87.057% then speed 7.165% and lastly load 0.435%. The R-Sq value and R-Sq (adj) value for wear response obtained using Minitab 16 Taguchi software are 95.05% and 92.08% respectively. The delta values for load, speed and sliding distance are 0.668, 2.830 and 10.734 respectively. The results of this demonstrated that the factor that has the greatest impact is sliding distance. The wear response values provided by OA experimental and regression equation are 3.6131 × 10^-3 mm³/m and 3.3062 × 10^-3 mm³/m respectively. A difference of 8.49% between the experimental and Taguchi analysis value gives the maximum permissible difference.