Optimization of duplex heat treatment settings with the MOORA-PCA technique to customize the mechanical and wear response of Ti6Al4V alloy

Abstract

The impact of duplex heat treatment settings was examined to optimize the mechanical and wear responses of Ti6Al4V alloys. A multi-objective optimization using ratio analysis (MOORA) coupled with PCA was used to optimize the different outcomes. Heat treatment aims to reduce the wear rate, frictional coefficient, and improve tensile strength and microhardness. Variables like solution treatment temperature, duration, aging temperature, and time are considered for optimization. The optimization results reveal that the optimal circumstances are A3B1C2D3. The appropriate process parameter combination was finally evaluated by a confirmation test, which shows that the MOORA-PCA technique worked well together to find the best heat treatment settings. All of the heat-treated samples demonstrated better mechanical and wear characteristics. However, compared to other heat-treated samples, samples that underwent heat treatment in optimal settings have superior features. Compared to the heat-treated samples at trial 9 and the optimum conditions, the samples at trial 8 settings showed 5.4% and 12.3% lower microhardness, respectively. The alloy subjected to optimal conditions for heat treatment has a tensile strength of 1154.87 MPa, which is 12.95% and 6.09% greater than the specimen heat-treated at trials 8 and 9, respectively. Compared to the as-received alloy, the sample that underwent heat treatment at optimal settings exhibited a wear rate of approximately 40% lower than the as-received alloy, 3% lower than the heat treatment settings used in trial 8, and nearly 26% lower than the heat treatment settings used in trial 9. The bi-model microstructure developed under optimal circumstances is correlated with increased mechanical and wear properties.