Optimisation of tribological performance of electroless Ni–B coating using Taguchi method and grey relational analysis

The present study utilises Taguchi based grey relational analysis in order to find the optimal tribological condition (combination of load, speed and time) to minimise coefficient of friction and wear of electroless Ni–B coating. A grey relational grade is used as performance index to study the behaviour of electroless Ni–B coating with respect to friction and wear characteristics. An L₂₇ orthogonal array is used so that the main effects as well as the interaction effects of the factors can be studied effectively. It is found that all the three test parameters have significant influence on friction and wear behaviour of Ni–B coating. Moreover significant amount of interaction is found to exist between load and speed. The coating is characterised using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. The wear mechanism is also studied and found to be abrasive in nature.