Fabrication and tribological studies of Al-CSA composite using RSM

Abstract

Aluminium-based metal matrix composite (AMCs) reinforced with coconut shell ash particles (CSA) is prepared with a stir casting route. A face centred composite design (CCF) is employed for design of tribological experiments. The tribological effects on Al-CSA composites such as wear rate (Wr - mm3/m) and coefficient of friction (CF) are analysed with operating variables such as normal pressure (A-kg/cm2), percent of CSA (B - vol. %), sliding-distance (C - m) and sliding velocity (D-m/s). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals that normal pressure has a significant influence on wear rate and coefficient of friction. Interaction plots showed that the wear rate of composite has increased, due to extreme plastic deformation, delamination and particle cohesion, and an increased pressure and sliding distance. Regression analysis reveals the effect of variables on tribological responses. Confirmatory tests are conducted and found that the regression model is acceptable and error lies within the range, i.e., 5%.