Optimization of the tensile strength of sintered Al6061/SiC nanocomposites using response surface methodology

Abstract

In the present work, silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles applied as reinforcement material to enhance the tensile characteristics of aluminium-based nanocomposites. The experimental design was selected as per the response surface methodology to optimize the effect of balls to powder weight ratio (6–10), milling speed (200–400 rpm), milling time (120–180 min) and SiC concentration (20–40 wt.%). From the ANOVA (analysis of variance) results, it was found that all the four parameters played a significant role on the tensile strength of Al-SiC nanocomposites. The tensile strength was maximized simultaneously and the optimal values of SiC concentration, balls to powder weight ratio, milling time and milling speed was found to be 24.27 wt.%, 10, 180 min and 200 rpm respectively. From the predicted vs. actual and 3D surface plots, it is also observed that there is a good agreement between the developed quadratic model and experimental results. From the scanning electron microscope, it is observed that there is a uniform dispersion of SiC nanoparticles in the matrix, which caused the improvement in tensile strength.