The influence of MoS₂ and SiC reinforcement on enhancing the tribological and hardness of aluminium matrix (Al6061-T6) hybrid composites using Taguchi’s method

The current study has examined the dry sliding wear behaviour of MoS₂ and SiC reinforced aluminium composites. An aluminium matrix reinforced with SiC and MoS₂ was used for this investigation. Silicon carbide (SiC) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) particles are employed as reinforcements, and the matrix is made of the aluminium alloy series Al6061. Three weight steps were used to adjust the SiC and MoS₂ reinforcements in the Al6061 matrix from 3% to 5%. Dry sliding wear behaviour is examined using a pin-on-disc apparatus. Additionally, the test was further validated using a suitable set of parameters that confirmed Taguchi’s findings. The Brinnell hardness test is used to determine the composite material’s hardness. When the percentage of reinforcement reaches 3% SiC and 5% MoS₂, wear is less compared to a combination of 5% SiC and 3% MoS₂.By increasing the MoS₂ percentage of reinforcement, wear was consequently decreased. The microstructure of AL6061/SiC/MoS₂ composites is evident from the scanning electron microscopy images, where the silicon carbide (SiC) phase and the molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) phase are evenly distributed throughout the matrix.

Keywords:
Silicon Carbide; Molybdenum disulphide; wear behaviour; stir casting method