Prediction of mechanical properties and modeling on sliding wear behavior of LM25/TiC composite using response surface methodology

Aluminum LM25/TiC (10?wt%) metal matrix composite was developed using the liquid metallurgy route. The microstructural examination and the mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength were investigated on the composite specimens. The tribological behavior of the composite was studied using central composite design (CCD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) under the influence of wear process parameters such as applied load, sliding velocity and sliding distance. Pin-on-disc tribometer was utilized for conducting the experimental runs and the model was constructed based on the obtained wear rates. Confirmation experiments and analysis of variance were performed to ensure the adequacy of the constructed model. Microstructural examination reveals that uniform dispersion was attained in the composite, which enhances the hardness and the tensile strength. The wear results showed that the wear rate increased with increase in load, decreases with increase in velocity and varies nonlinearly with sliding distance. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis was performed to examine the worn surface morphologies and the worn surfaces revealed that TiC reinforcement protects the matrix from more material removal at all conditions. The developed composite can be utilized for the tribological applications like engine block, cylinder liners and pistons.