Prediction and optimization of tribological behavior of nylon composites using Taguchi analysis method

Abstract

In this study, the tribological performance of graphite and wax filled nylon composites was predicted and optimized with the assistance of the Taguchi analysis method. Experimental data from our previous published work are handled. The experimental results are transformed into a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio using the Taguchi method. This ratio presents the quality characteristics of the experimental results. Tribological performance of nylon 6 (polyamide 6) composites was predicted and optimized. The type of material, applied load, and sliding speed exert effects on the specific wear rate, at 85.06, 2.17, and 3.26, were obtained, respectively. Furthermore, the estimated S/N ratio using the optimum testing parameters for specific wear rate was calculated and a good agreement was observed between the predicted and experimentally determined values for a confidence level above 90.