Implementation of robust Taguchi approach on mechanical and metallurgical characterization of Al7075 (T6)-SiC-MoS2 based hybrid metal matrix composite

Abstract

Aluminum-based hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMCs) having distinct properties such as high strength to weight ratio, light in weight, cost-efficient, high strength, and corrosive resistance at elevated high pressure and temperature are the main reasons for their utilization in the field of automotive, aerospace, civil construction, and bio-medical applications. Therefore, in the present study, Al7075 (T6) and SiC/MoS2 are used as a base matrix and two different reinforcements, respectively, in order to synthesize hybrid composites via vacuum-sealed stir casting. Input process parameters such as SiC powder (2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 wt%), MoS2 powder (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 wt%), and stirring speed (580, 600, and 620 rpm) are investigated experimentally to measure the output responses of mechanical properties in terms of the tensile strength (MPa) and micro-hardness (VHN). Further, the robust Taguchi L9 approach with analysis of variance (ANOVA) is conducted to evaluate the significance of input process parameters on the tensile strength and micro-hardness of fabricated HMMCs. Moreover, metallurgical characterizations are also carried out by optical microscope and FESEM-EDS techniques.