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.