Optimum selection of nano-Al₂O₃, nano-SiO₂, and nano-ZrO₂particulate fillers on physical, mechanical, and wear assessment of Al6061 nanocomposite using preference selection index

Abstract

The present study investigated the role of three important nano-sized fillers such as nano-SiO2, nano-ZrO2, and nano-Al2O3 on mechanical and wear assessment of Al6061 alloy matrix composite and suggested the optimum compositions for the best performance for Al6067 alloy matrix composites. Preference selection index as optimization tool was used and attributes taken for optimizations were void content, hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture toughness, impact strength, specific wear rate at normal load of 25 and 55 N load, sliding velocities of 0.5 and 2 m/s, sliding distance of 500 and 2000 m, respectively. In general, all three nanofillers enhanced the mechanical and wear properties of Al6061 alloy matrix composite. In the steady state wear study, on increasing normal load from 25 to 55 N, the specific wear rate of Al6061, Al6061-3Al2O3, Al6061-3SiO2, and Al6061-3ZrO2 was increased by 58.7%, 33.2%, 15.4%, and 26.14%, respectively. On increasing sliding speed from 0.5 to 2 m/sec, the specific wear rate of Al6061, Al6061-3Al2O3, Al6061-3SiO2, and Al6061-3ZrO2 was increased by 27%, 13%, 6%, and 12%, respectively. On increasing sliding distance from 500 to 2000 m, the specific wear rate of Al6061, Al6061-3Al2O3, Al6061-3SiO2, and Al6061-3ZrO2 was increased by 41%, 36%, 9%, and 21%, respectively. Al6061-3SiO2 indicated the best composition in terms of mechanical and wear performance followed by Al6061-3Al2O3 and Al6061-3ZrO2. Hence, nano-SiO2 can be suggested as the best filler to enhance the mechanical and wear performance of Al6061-based nanocomposite. Therefore, nano-SiO2 reinforced Al6061 composite is indicated as the best suitable composite material for a large number of components in structural, automobile, marine, and aerospace industries.