An overview of the controllable process parameters in mechanical characterization of developed hybrid metal matrix composites and their optimization for advanced engineering applications

Abstract

The service requirements of industries like aerospace, marine, infrastructure, orthopedic implants and transportation have led to the development of the new age era of advanced engineering materials which have outclassed the conventional materials both in performance and economy. Hence the requirement of advanced engineering materials is increasing day by day with the result new metal matrix composites are developed via stir casting route. The newly developed metal matrix composites have better mechanical properties in comparison to the parent conventional material and they have been successfully employed in advanced engineering and biomedical applications. The optical micrographs obtained through scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis are used to establish uniform dispersion of the reinforcement in metal matrix and the mechanical properties of the composite are found to be superior than the monolithic alloy. Hybrid Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites are used in aerospace industry because of low weight and economy while hybrid Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites are used in advanced biomedical applications as they possess high strength and biocompatibility. Various optimization techniques like Taguchi, Response surface methodology, Grey Relational Analysis are applied to study optimum combination of various process parameters for better mechanical properties of the novel composite developed via stir casting route. The major controlling factors influencing the mechanical properties of the composite are found to be percentage reinforcement, particle size, stirring speed, preheated mold temperature and ageing time. This paper will provide a brief review on various controllable process parameters and their optimization during mechanical characterization of composites.