Fabrication of 6061 aluminum alloy reinforced with Si3N4/n-Gr and its wear performance optimization using integrated RSM-GA

In this research work the dry sliding wear behavior of a hybrid aluminum metal matrix composite is evaluated. Al 6061 is used as a matrix material while Si₃N₄ and nanographite powder (3–15 wt%) are used as reinforcements. These two reinforcements (50 wt% of each) were blended in a high-energy ball mill for homogeneous mixing to derive the sound aluminum matrix composite (AMC). The hybrid composite is made by the stir casting route and its wear rate was investigated against an EN32 steel disc surface, using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Integrated response surface methodology (RSM) and genetic algorithm (GA) are used to optimize the pin-on-disc process parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that sliding distance plays a major role on the dry sliding wear rate followed by load, sliding speed and reinforcements. Two-factor interactions and quadratic terms have also significant contributions. GA suggested a minimum wear rate value of 0.827 mg at optimized setting. Microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that very fine grooves are obtained at optimized settings while at other settings severe ploughing is observed. Transition of wear mechanism takes place with the increase of speed (i.e., temperature between the two rubbing surfaces) from abrasive to adhesive.