Optimization and Effect of Weight Fraction of MoS2 on the Tribological Behavior of Mg-TiC-MoS2 Hybrid Composites

This investigation studies the dry sliding wear behavior of magnesium (Mg) matrix composites reinforced with titanium carbide (TiC) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) fabricated using a powder metallurgy technique. The effects of both TiC (0-10%) and MoS2 (0-10%) content on the tribological properties are investigated. Wear tests are carried on magnesium reinforced with TiC and MoS2 individually and together in different proportions, using a pin-on-disc apparatus under dry sliding condition. The experiments were made using a Taguchi L-27 orthogonal array with five factors at three levels. The wear resistance of the developed composites improved significantly compared to that of the magnesium matrix due to the effect offered by both reinforcements. Analysis of variance was used to verify the significance of factors influencing wear. In addition, the worn surfaces of the wear-tested specimens were examined using a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy.