Influence of process variables on wear testing of aluminium-silicon/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

Design of experiments and analysis of variance techniques have been used in the current study to examine the wear behavior of aluminum-silicon/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite. Variables that are considered for the assessment of wear included multi-walled carbon nanotubes concentration, applied load, operating speed, distance traversed, and temperature. Results have shown that the 0.5 wt.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum-silicon alloy had the highest wear resistance. Systematic examination of variables showed that the applied load is the dominating factor that influenced the wear behavior. The improved wear resistance of the nanocomposite was found due to the reinforcement of the multi-walled carbon nanotube.