An innovative comparative analysis of the tribological response of aluminum-based hybrid metal matrix composites – a novel approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Tribological behavior of Aluminum Based Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite (HMMC) was fabricated through bottom pour stir casting technique. In this investigation, HMMC was fabricated by varying the aluminum 7075 alloy granite powder proportions by keeping SiC as constant 5%. The Frictional Coefficient and Wear characteristics of HMMCs were evaluated using a Pin-on-Disc Wear Testing machine. For data analysis, a L9 orthogonal array was chosen. The purpose of the experiment is to ascertain how several parameters, such as applied force, sliding speed, and sliding duration, affect the wear rate and friction coefficient during the wear processes. The Regression equations and ANOVA were made for each response. The dry sliding and wear resistance of the composite material were analyzed by defining the “Smaller is Best”. The developed regression models’ prediction errors for the particular wear rate varied from 1.63% to 14.04% and for the coefficient of friction from 1.52% to 3.20%, according to the validation trials. SEM analysis confirms the reduced surface degradation with higher granite reinforcement. Overall, the study shows that sliding time and applied load are the primary determinants of wear rate across all composites, while frictional behavior becomes increasingly speed dependent at higher granite percentage (10% and 15%).