Optimization and fuzzy model for evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of Al-CNT-Si3N4 based nano and hybrid composites

Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) has an extraordinary combination of high hardness, strength, toughness, and advanced properties like excellent wear and corrosion resistant, thermal shock resistance. Also, Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) has grasped interest among the researchers owing to its superior mechanical and thermal properties. Hence, the present study intents to fabricate Al matrix reinforced with Si3N4 nano particulate and Al matrix reinforced with CNT and Si3N4 particulate called hybrid composite via gravity casting route. The fabricated composites were tested for compression test, hardness and tribological test. The L9 orthogonal array was selected to conduct the tribological test in dry sliding conditions. Furthermore, SEM, an optical microscope, and image analysis tools were used to characterize the created composites. To determine the ideal operating conditions of the tribology test, analysis of variance was performed. The correlation between the input parameters and the wear rate, COF, was established using regression models. In order to predict the rate of wear with greater than 95% accuracy, a fuzzy model was developed based on the experimental data.