Analysis of Mechanical and Sliding Wear Performance of Hybrid AA7075-SiC/Gr/Cu Alloy Composites Fabricated by High Vacuum Stir Casting Process

This work investigates mechanical behavior and sliding wear performance of hybrid AA7075 alloy composites having SiC (0–12 wt% @ 3%)/graphite (3 wt%)/copper (3 wt%) as reinforcing phase, fabricated using high-temperature vacuum casting method. The samples of various compositions are characterized for physical, mechanical, and sliding wear (on pin-on-disk tribometer) as per standards. Taguchi design of experiment methodology was adopted for parameter selection, optimization, and experimental trials. The various performance parameters like density, voids content, tensile strength, specific wear rate, etc. are taken for decision making using the Preference Selection Index (PSI) technique. It has been observed that with the reinforcing phase, the properties like wear performance, density, voids content, compressive strength, impact strength, and tensile strength of composites increases considerably while flexural strength diminishes. The hybrid alloy composites having 12 wt% show superior overall properties and also verified form as the outcome of the PSI technique.