title: Optimization of wear loss in silicon nitride (Si3N4)-hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) composite using DoE-Taguchi method.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The contacting surfaces subjected to progressive loss of material known as 'wear,' which is unavoidable between contacting surfaces. Similar kind of phenomenon observed in the human body in various joints where sliding/rolling contact takes place in contacting parts, leading to loss of material. This is a serious issue related to replaced joint or artificial joint.
  
  
  METHODS
  Out of the various material combinations proposed for artificial joint or joint replacement Si3N4against Al2O3is one of in ceramic on ceramic category. Minimizing the wear loss of Si3N4is a prime requirement to avoid aseptic loosening of artificial joint and extending life of joint.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this paper, an attempt has been made to investigate the wear loss behavior of Si3N4-hBN composite and evaluate the effect of hBN addition in Si3N4to minimize the wear loss. DoE-Taguchi technique is used to plan and analyze experiments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Analysis of experimental results proposes 15 N load and 8 % of hBN addition in Si3N4is optimum to minimize wear loss against alumina.
authors.affiliation: Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj CoE, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra India ; Mechanical Engineering Department, Manoharbhai Patel Institute of Engineering and Technology, Gondia, Maharashtra India.
authors.forename: Sachin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghalme
authors.affiliation: VM Institute of Engineering and Technology, Nagpur, India.
authors.forename: Ankush
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mankar
authors.affiliation: MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune, India.
authors.forename: Y J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Bhalerao
keywords: Alumina (Al2O3); Design of experiment (DoE); Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN); Silicon nitride (Si3N4); Taguchi technique