Dry Sliding Wear behaviour of cast Al/Al₂0₃/Gr hybrid nano-composite using response surface methodology

The newly engineered metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) of Al 6061 reinforced with 1.2 wt % Al203 and 0.5 wt % Gr (Al-1.2Al203-0.5Gr) hybrid nanocomposite was prepared by ultrasonic assisted stir casting method. A three-level central composite design test was developed using response surface methodology; parameters such as load, velocity and sliding distance were varied in the range of 10-30 N, 0.4-1.1 m/s and 500–1500 m, respectively. Dry sliding wear tests were performed as per the experimental design using a pin-on disc setup at room temperature. Analysis of variance (Anova) was applied to investigate the influence of process parameters and their interactions viz., Load, velocity, sliding distance on wear, and coefficient of friction (COF). The aim of the study was to identify the process parameters that significantly affect the output features. Further, a mathematical model has been formulated by applying response surface method in order to estimate the tribology characteristics such as wear and COF of the hybrid nanocomposites.