Microstructure Analysis and Optimization of Parameters for Improved Properties in High Strength AA8079 (Al–Fe–Cu–Si–Zn)

Abstract

High strength Aluminum Alloy (AA8079) was synthesized through powder metallurgy (PM) technique and the effect of PM parameters on the properties was investigated based on Taguchi L9 orthogonal array experimental design. The compaction pressure, sintering temperature, and sintering time were chosen as input parameters and the properties such as hardness, compressive strength, and density were considered as responses. From signal to noise (SN) Ratio analysis, it is observed that the high level of compaction pressure (600 MPa), sintering temperature (600°C), and sintering time (3 h) is required to achieve the better compressive strength and hardness of alloy. From the ANOVA analysis, compaction pressure and sintering temperature were identified as highly contributing parameters to affect the properties of the PM AA8079. Further a confirmation test was conducted with the optimum parameter for validation of the Taguchi results. Microstructure analyses were conducted for all the nine samples to discuss the effect of parameters on the properties.