Experimental optimization of mechanical properties of Al7010/B4C/BN hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites using Taguchi technique

Abstract

The composite material properties largely dependent on the processing methods and the parameters employed during their manufacturing. In the present study, the effect of B4C and BN nanoparticles on tensile strength and microhardness of Al7010 hybrid metal matrix nanocomposite is investigated. The composite is prepared using ultrasonic assisted stir casting technique, and the effect of processing parameters like weight percentage of particles, stirrer speed, stirring time and temperature on ultimate tensile strength and microhardness are optimized using Analysis of Variance technique. The experiments are planned using Taguchi design of experiment based on the L25 orthogonal array. In all the input parameters, the wt% of B4C and BN is most significant on ultimate tensile strength and microhardness followed by other parameters. Further, the verification of optimal experimental results the confirmation tests was conducted and also a percentage error is found.