The present research work focuses on the production of aluminium (AA6082-T6) matrix composites reinforced with various weight percentage of silicon nitride particles by conventional stir casting route. The percentage of reinforcement is varied from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.% in a stage of 3%. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the fabricated aluminium matrix composites are investigated. The scanning electron microstructure images reveal the presence of Si 3 N 4 particles in the aluminium matrix. The distribution of Si 3 N 4 particles has also been recognized with X-ray diffraction technique. The mechanical properties such as ultimate tensile strength and hardness have improved at the cost of reduction in ductility with increase in weight percentage of silicon nitride particulates in the aluminium metal matrix. The density and porosity of the composites also show an increasing trend with increase in volume fraction of Si 3 N 4 particles in the aluminium matrix.

This work focuses on the effect of graphite particles addition on the microstructure of Al6082 metal matrix composites manufactured by conventional stir casting process. The reinforcement content was varied from 0% to 12% in a step of 3%. The microstructures of the manufactured composites were analyzed by scanning electron micrographic test. Elemental mapping of the Al6082 + 12% Gr reinforced composite was carried out to see the different elements present with their amount. Different elements present in the manufactured composites were verified by X-ray diffraction technique to justify the elemental map analysis. The result of this microstructural investigation revealed that a non-uniform distribution of graphite particles takes place at all weight percentages of graphite reinforcement.

Please cite this article in press as: Sharma P, et al. Dry sliding wear investigation of Al6082/Gr metal matrix composites by response surface methodology. J Mater Res Technol. 2015. http://dx.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of lean and green practices to foundry industry in India for improving productivity and eliminating waste, incorporating the sustainability into business performance measures. Design/methodology/approach – The study used survey questionnaire method to collect data against 16 lean and green practices from 71 middle- to senior-level professionals belonging to Indian foundry industry. The survey instrument of lean and green practices was developed based on a number of sources from the literature and formal discussions with academicians and foundry industry professionals. The responses were received on a five-point Likert scale ranging from least applicable to most applicable. Exploratory factor and reliability analyses are conducted to obtain and validate constructs and measure each constructs Cronbach’s α (i.e. a consistency coefficient). The lean and green practices are categorized into the four constructs, namely, workplace organization practices, management practices, inventory control practices, and industrial manufacturing and quality improvement practices. Further, descriptive statistics is employed to find out the relative significance of lean and green practices. Findings – Factor and reliability analyses show that all four constructs are adequate and reliable to illustrate lean and green practices. Descriptive statistics indicates that lean and green practices are applicable for implementation to a certain extent in the foundry industry. Correlation analysis shows that lean practices are positively and moderately interrelated with green practices. Thus, the results present a strong evidence that lean and green practices are moderately applicable for implementation in the foundry industry. Originality/value – The paper provides insights into the applicability of lean and green practices implementation in the context of a developing country and presents evidence that lean and green practices are moderately applicable in the foundry industry. In addition, this paper is one of the few efforts to promote sustainable development within the industry.

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