An Experimental Investigation of Microwave Developed Nickel-Based Clads for Slurry Erosion Wear Performance Using Taguchi Approach

Abstract

In the present work, investigation of slurry erosion wear performance of nickel-based clads on austenitic steel SS-304 substrate has been reported. Clads were developed through microwave hybrid heating technique using a low-cost microwave oven. The microwave-induced clads were characterized through scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The tribological properties of clads were determined using a slurry erosion wear testing setup. Experimental trials were conducted as per Taguchi L27 orthogonal array considering three factors: spindle speed, specimen angle and time of exposure of clad surface to spinning slurry. The developed clads exhibited considerable resistance to slurry erosion; however, higher wear resistance characteristics were observed at lower spindle speed and higher specimen angle. ANOVA results indicated the specimen angle as the most significant factor followed by speed and time. A multiple linear regression equation was obtained to determine the correlation between the parameters. The clad specimens tested at a lower specimen angle were completely damaged due to microcutting, grooves and crater formation.