Optimization of ductility and yield strength on Al2024/B4C composite material using Taguchi Technique

Abstract

In the present investigation, Al2024 alloy reinforced with boron carbide particulates with three different mesh size (100, 200 and 300) have been chosen for the preparation of MMCs. Stir casting route was adopted by varying weight percentage of boron carbide particulates by 1 wt.%, 3 wt.% and 5 wt.%. The cast component was machined through conventional lathe machine tool as per ASTM E8-16a size for tensile test specimen. The tensile test specimens have been subjected to solutionzing treatment at 520 for24 hours followed by water quenching. The quenched test specimens are then subjected to artificial ageing at 175 for holding duration of 1 hr., 3 hrs. and 5 hrs. The tensile specimens after artificial ageing were tested using UTM to evaluate the ductility and yield strength of the formed composite material. It is noticed that ductility found to be decreased with increase in wt.% of boron carbide in the Al2024 alloy, whereas yield strength was found to be improved. Taguchi Technique was adopted to evaluate the S/N ratio, optimization, influence of process parameter and regression equation were derived for the confirmation of experimental results through Minitab software. SEM images reveal the uniform distribution of boron carbide in Al2024 alloy. Ductile tearing was observed in pure Al2024 alloy and the formed composite material.