Friction and wear optimization of SiC/graphite reinforced AZ31 hybrid composite using Taguchi method

In this work, hybrid nanocomposites were successfully fabricated using a stir casting machine setup with a weight of 3%, 5%, and 7%. Additionally, 7% hybrid nanocomposite was tested for wear behavior under the wear test setup. The experimental parameters were 15–35 N load, 136–409 rpm speed, and 150–450 m distance. Based on controlling variables, including load, speed, and distance, ANOVA was used to analyze how the most significant variables affected the wear rate (WR) and coefficient of friction (COF). The outcomes were assessed using MINITAB Software. S/N Ratio analysis was used to establish the best parameter combination to lower the WR and COF. The WR of specimen was increases as the sliding distance rises. The wear rate of the composites exhibits an increase with higher normal loads. Due to the high interaction between the surfaces of matrix alloy (AZ31) and reinforcements (SiC, Gr), the metallurgical properties of the seven wt% SiC/Gr alloy performed better than those of the base alloy. The microstructure of the worn surface was examined by SEM, and the particles were described by EDS. The maximum amount of wear rate (320 µm) was observed at a maximum load of 35N, speed 409 rpm with sliding distance of 300 m, while the minimum amount of wear rate (79 µm) was found at a minimun load of 15N, speed 136 rpm with sliding distance of 150 m.