Optimization of the Process Parameters on the Mechanical and Wear Properties of Al-SiC Nano-Composites Fabricated by Friction Stir Processing Using Desirability Approach

Aluminium silicon carbide (Al-SiC) nano composites find its application in gas turbine exit vane, structural parts of automobile and other structural applications. In the present investigation, optimization of the process parameters on mechanical and wear properties of aluminium SiC nanocomposites fabricated via friction stir processing (FSP) was studied. Three process parameters such as number of passes (A), rotational speed(B) and transverse feed(C) were used. For three factors and three levels, L9 Taguchi method was used to formulate the experimental design. Desirability approach is used to optimize the process parameters in terms of tensile strength, microhardness and wear loss. It is observed that the number of passes is the vital process parameter for tensile strength whereas rotational speed is the vital process parameter for microhardness. For three number of passes, 1500 rpm of rotational speed and 70 mm/min of transverse feed results in optimal process parameter combination for obtaining better values for tensile strength, microhardness and wear loss i.e. A3 B3 C3. The microstructure evaluation for fabricated and worn surfaces was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).