Parametric Optimisation of Tribological Characteristics of Novel Al7010/B₄C/BN Hybrid Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Using Taguchi Technique

ABSTRACT

In this present experimental investigation, Al7010/B₄C/BN hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites with equal weight percent of B₄C and BN in steps of 0.5 from 0 to 2.5 are prepared using ultrasonic-assisted stir casting technique. Tribological characteristics of the prepared composites at room temperature are evaluated using pin-on-disc apparatus. Taguchi technique is used to study the influence of process variables on tribological behaviour of nanocomposites. The experiments were conducted based on the orthogonal array L₁₈ through Taguchi technique and evaluated for the optimum process variables using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The experimental outcomes reported that the wear rate is mostly affected by composition (78.79) followed by applied load (19.68), sliding speed (0.55) and least is sliding distance (0.02). Coefficient of friction is influenced by composition (60.14) followed by sliding speed (29.34), sliding distance (6.47) and applied load (3.38). The confidence interval was predicted for a confidence level of 95%. Finally, the confirmation test is conducted to check the predictive values with the experimental results. The worn surface of the composite resulted from conformation test is studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

KEYWORDS:

• Nanocomposites
• tribological characterisation
• Taghuchi technique
• boron carbide
• boron nitride

Nomenclatures

Al7010- Aluminium 7010 Alloy

MMCs- Metal Matrix Composites

MMNCs- Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

AMMCs- Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites

AMMNCs- Aluminium Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

AHMMNCs- Aluminium Hybrid Metal Matrix Nanocomposites

B₄C- Boron Carbide

BN- Boron Nitride

UASC- Ultrasonic Assisted Stir Casting

SEM- Scanning Electron Microscope

WR- Wear Rate

SWR- Specific Wear Rate

COF- Coefficient of Friction

ANOVA- Analysis of Variance

S/N- Signal to Noise

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article. Any further information can be obtained from the corresponding author, Gopichand Dirisenapu (email: [email protected]), upon request.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gopichand Dirisenapu

Mr. Gopichand Dirisenapu is a Research scholar at JNT University Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India, M.Tech from JNT University Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India and B.Tech Mechanical Engineering from JNTU Hyderabad. He is having 11 years of experience in Teaching and Research. His research interests are Composite materials, EDM/ Wire EDM, Friction stir welding/processes, Design of Experiments. He is published more than 10 research papers in reputed journals and conferences.

Lingaraju Dumpala

Dr. Lingaraju Dumpala received Ph.D in the area of composite materials, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Andhra University, India in the year 2011. He completed post-graduation from Osmania University with a specialization of Mechanical CAD/CAM in the year 2002. Presently he is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering (A), JNT University Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India. He has rich teaching experience spanning 18 years. Currently, 13 students are pursuing Ph.D. under his guidance. In addition, he has presented more than 100 research papers at various international/national conferences in India and abroad. He has contributed immensely to the research community at both the National and International levels in the areas of Composite Materials, Manufacturing, Friction Stir welding, and Nanotechnology. He is working 5 research projects worth 285 lakhs rupee research projects funded by AICTE, DST, and UGC. He has done one month of research training on nanomaterials from New York University, USA.

Seelam Pichi Reddy

Dr. S.Pichi Reddyis presently working as a Professor & HOD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engineering, Mylavaram, India. He completed Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from JNTUH-Hyderabad, M.Tech from National Institute of Technology Warangal, India. He has more than 19 years of experience in teaching and research. With more than 18 paper publications in journals, 6 papers presented in conferences.