A statistical prediction on wear and friction behavior of ZrC nano particles reinforced with Al–Si composites using full factorial design

This paper investigates the dry sliding wear and friction behavior of pure Aluminium (Al), Al–12 Si with its reinforcement ZrC in various weight percentages. The samples were prepared by Powder Metallurgy method. The wear test was conducted using the pin-on-disc, with the varying the parameters of normal load (10–40 N), sliding distance (500–2000 m) and constant sliding velocity of 2.618 m/s. The ZrC reinforced specimens showed the lower coefficient of friction and maximum wear resistance. The influence and percentage contribution of variable parameters were analyzed using Minitab 17.3.1 software. The wear worn surface of the hybrid composites was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope and reveals that Al–12Si shows fracture and deformed whereas Al–12Si–15ZrC consists of fine and coarse powders with uniform distribution and there is very less wear debris are seen. Al–12Si–15ZrC shows reduced coefficient of friction and specific wear rate while the load and sliding distances increases with increase in wt.% of carbide reinforcement.