Study the wear behaviour of Al7075/SiC Composite utilizing the grey-based Taguchi technique

Abstract

Composites are replacing more conventional materials due to their advantageous properties, such as high strength, hardness, low weight, and wear resistance. In this study, the stir casting method is used to create an Al7075/SiC aluminium matrix composite, and its dry sliding wear behaviour is examined. The EDX and SEM results both show that the silicon carbide is evenly distributed throughout the matrix. The dry sliding wear behaviour of the composites is investigated using the Taguchi L16 orthogonal array to reduce the number of experimental runs. Four key process parameters—reinforcement quantity (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%), load (15N, 30N, 45N, and 60N), sliding velocity (0.75m/s), sliding distance (1.5m/s), and sliding distance (3m/s)—are evaluated across four levels to determine the best parameter combination for reducing wear rate. S/N ratios are best when the following conditions are met: 3 wt.% SiC reinforcement, 15 N load, 3 m/s sliding velocity, and 800 m sliding distance (as shown in the main effect graphic). Wear rate, frictional force, and coefficient of friction are all affected by the four process parameters, and their effects are often studied using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) outcome indicated that the probability value associated with the applied load was below 0.05, signifying statistical significance.