Multi-Objective Optimization of Dry Sliding Wear Parameters of Aluminium Matrix Composites (AA7068/TiC) using Grey Relational Analysis

Abstract

Metal matrix composites are supplanting conventional materials due to their prevalent properties like high strength of weight ratio, high specific stiffness, high fracture toughness, high thermal stability and wear resistance etc. In this investigation, Al-TiC composites consist of TiC particles of an average size 4μm whose wt% of reinforcement varied from 2 to 10 wt% in steps of 2 wt%, composites have been prepared using the stir casting technique. Dry-sliding wear experiments have been performed on pin-on-disc apparatus according to Taguchi’s L25 in the design of experiments. The parameters considered are wt% of TiC, rotational speed (Nr), load (P) and sliding velocity (Vs). Optimum combinations of parameters have been identified based on grey relational grade (GRG) to solve the wear response of AA7068/TiC MMCs. Also, analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to recognize the main factors affecting the wear response. Confirmation experiments with optimum conditions show that the results were nearer to the anticipated outcomes.