Investigation of high temperature wear performance on laser processed nodular iron using optimization technique

Nodular cast iron (NCI) are used in nuclear energy and transportation industries. Also, NCI are used in gear boxes, camshaft, crank shaft, rolling mill rolls and machine tool beds. The reliability of the NCI under heavy loading condition is affected through several tribological aspects. In the present study, NCI surface has been melted by using an Ytterbium-doped fiber laser. The wear resistances of the substrate and melted surface have been analyzed by using a tribometer. Sliding speed, load and working temperatures have been considered as input parameters to tribometer. From the optimization trials, the applied load was identified as the most significant parameter followed by sliding speed and ambience temperature. The responses of the optimized tribological parameters attained by GRA was confirmed through experimental and agreed closely to the predicted value. Further, the surface of the substrate and laser melted samples were analyzed. The melted surfaces were free from surface deformities and exhibited a noticeable improvement in the wear resistance compared to the substrate.