Performance optimization of operating parameters: Al 6061-Red Mud composite under sliding wear

Abstract Aluminium 6061-red mud composite has been fabricated by using stir casting method. Uniform distribution of red-mud particles has been observed by Scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive spectroscopy confirms presence of constituent elements of red mud. Wear testing of samples has been done on pin-on-disk type wear tester. The weight loss due to wear first decrease then increase with increasing percentage reinforcement. From experimentation, authors have found that the weight loss first decreases and then increase with aging time. Also, weight loss increases with applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance. In ANOVA analysis, the variables: load and sliding distance are found significant while particle size, aging time, percentage reinforcement and sliding velocity are not found significant. The order of significance is load, sliding distance, percentage reinforcement, sliding speed, aging time and particle size. Optimum value of weight loss is predicted by using Taguchi technique and confirmed by experimentally obtained results.