Investigations on Tribological Behaviour of ZK60A Mg alloy-TiN Composites Synthesized via Powder Metallurgy Technique

The development in current manufacturing technology entails better wear resistance materials. Inthis study, ZK60A Mg alloy matrix composites reinforced with x wt.% (x = 0, 4, 8 and 12 wt.%) of TiN powders are developed through powder metallurgy (PM) route. The tribological behaviour of the composites under dry sliding conditions was estimated using Pin-on-disc instrument. The influence of the control parameters such as wt.% of TiN, applied load , sliding velocity and sliding distance on the wear rate and co-efficient of friction were analysed using Taguchi coupled grey relational approach GRA and L₁₆ orthogonal array is selected for performing design of experiments. The lowest WR of 0.01147 mm³/m and 0.2446 COF formed at 12 wt.% of ‘R’, 9.81 N of ‘P’, 5.24 m/s of ‘V’ and 1000 m of ‘D’. From Analysis of variance (ANOVA), the wt.% of TiN powder (P = 82.68%) was observed as a primary factor controlling the WR and COF of composites. Finally, confirmation trials were performed to validate the results. SEM examination ensures homogeneous disbursement of TiN powders in the matrix alloy. Addition of reinforcement results in increase in density and porosity. The higher hardness observed at 12wt.% TiN incorporated Mg alloy composite.

Keywords:
ZK60A Mg alloy; TiN; PM technique; Tribological behaviour; GR approach