Statistical Examination on Wear Behaviour Of Za-27 Reinforced with Sic and Tib2

Abstract

With increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, there is a growing demand for materials that deliver superior performance while minimizing ecological impact. Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional materials by offering lightweight solutions that reduce energy consumption in transportation and operational applications. This study investigates the tribological behaviour of zinc–aluminium ZA-27 alloy–based hybrid MMCs aimed at developing environmentally friendly materials with enhanced mechanical performance.

Silicon carbide (SiC) and titanium diboride (TiB₂) are incorporated as reinforcements to improve wear resistance, extend component service life, and reduce the frequency of replacement. The primary objective is to comprehensively evaluate the wear behaviour of ZA-27 alloy reinforced with SiC and TiB₂ and to optimize wear resistance using Taguchi statistical analysis. The experimental program includes tribological testing and microstructural examination to analyse wear mechanisms and surface morphology.

Cylindrical pin and cuboidal plate specimens are tested under varying operating conditions to identify the most significant factors influencing wear behaviour, including reinforcement composition, applied load, and sliding speed. The optimized parameters obtained from this study are expected to enhance the wear performance of ZA-27 alloy composites and provide valuable insights for their potential applications in the aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries.