Optimization of A356/10SiC/3Gr Hybrid Composite Wear Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

In present study, the tribological behavior of hybrid composites with A356 aluminum alloy matrix reinforced with 10 wt% of SiC and 3 wt% of graphite was investigated using the Taguchi method. The composites were produced by the compocasting procedure. The tribological properties were studied using block-on-disk tribometer under unlubricated sliding conditions at different normal loads (40N, 80N and 120N), sliding speeds (0.25 m/s, 0.5 m/s and 1 m/s) and sliding distances (150 m, 300 m and 1200 m). Analysis of the wear rate results was performed using the ANOVA technique. The highest influence on wear rate was obtained for sliding distance (39.44%). The influence of normal load and sliding speed was 27.96% and 14.12%, respectively. The lowest level of wear rate corresponded to the contact conditions with normal load of 40N, sliding speed of 1.0 m/s and sliding distance of 1200 m.