Investigation of Wear Behaviour of 3WT% SIC Fiber Metal Laminate Composite

Abstract

The present study delves into the experimental examination of a composite laminate comprised of Basalt fiber intertwined with Aluminium. Basalt, an igneous rock primarily constituted of plagioclase and pyroxene minerals, demonstrates remarkable potential when amalgamated with Aluminium—a silvery, malleable metal within the boron group. Their synergistic combination augments the mechanical properties significantly, rendering it applicable across various engineering domains. Employing the hand lay-up technique, the Basalt-Aluminium laminate is meticulously fabricated, and to bolster its abrasive and enduring attributes, a 3Wt% infusion of silicon carbide is introduced. To evaluate its resistance to wear, the Basalt-Aluminium laminate undergoes rigorous examination via a pins-on-disc apparatus, utilizing the Taguchi methodology (L9 Orthogonal Array) to determine the optimal number of trials. The results garnered from individual sample pieces are further refined and optimized employing the Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Complementary to the wear tests, the material specimens are subject to scrutiny through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of their wear characteristics. This composite material exhibits promising potential for deployment in high-wear environments such as brake callipers, clutch plates, conveyor belts, and analogous settings, where durability and resilience are paramount considerations