A Statistical Analysis of Optimization of Wear Behaviour of Al-Al2O3 Composites Using Taguchi Technique

This work deals with the effect of Al2O3 on wear properties of AA7075 metal matrix composite and the results were optimized by Taguchi technique. The composites were prepared by conventional liquid casting method with varying the Al2O3 content. The wear test was conducted with pin-on-disc apparatus with the controlling parameters were, applied load of 10, 20, 30, and 40N and sliding distance of 1200 m with regular interval of 200m at 0.6m/s sliding speed. The micro structural investigation on the worn surfaces was performed by Scanning Electron Microscope. A statistical analysis of wear test was conducted using Response Surface Methodology, and Taguchi technique under Design of Experiments with Regression Equation using MINITAB software. From these results, the optimum AA7075/ Al2O3 composite was evaluated and the optimum controlling parameters were examined on the basis of 'smaller the best'. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.