Optimization of Squeeze Casting Process Parameters to Investigate the Mechanical Properties of AA6061/Al2O3/SiC Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites by Taguchi and Anova Approach

Abstract

Hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMC) have gained importance in industrial applications owing to their tailorable properties. The properties of HMMC are influenced by the casting process parameters. In this work, AA6061-reinforced Al2O3/SiC HMMC were fabricated by squeeze casting technique. The effect of four levels and four input parameters are squeeze pressure, pressure holding time, die material, and melt temperature is investigated. L16 orthogonal array was selected to perform the experiments. Taguchi technique identified best process parameters that exhibited highest hardness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and yield strength. ANOVA demonstrated the contribution ratio. The process parameters 100 MPa squeeze pressures, 20-s holding time, die steel material, and 750 °C melt temperature showed optimal value for hardness, UTS, and yield strength.