Optimization of powder metallurgy parameters of TiC- and B4C-reinforced aluminium composites by Taguchi method

Abstract

In this work, an aluminium-based metal matrix composite material was developed via powder metallurgy considering various input process parameters. Sintering time, sintering temperature, and compaction pressure were the three main factors used as input process parameters, which were varied at three levels. The research was planned with reference to the experimental design of an L9 orthogonal array using a 3 × 3 matrix. The density, Vickers hardness, and compression strength were tested and analyzed. The influence of individual input parameters were analyzed using the Taguchi-based S/N ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum parameter levels to achieve low density, high hardness, and high compressive strength were identified through main effect plots. Experimental results indicate that the sintering temperature and compaction pressure strongly influence properties such as density and hardness. Similarly, compression strength depends mainly on sintering time and sintering temperature. Through ANOVA analysis, the optimum levels were confirmed for the process parameters sintering time, compaction pressure, and sintering temperature to produce the most favorable metal matrix composite material.