Optimizing the effect of reinforcement, particle size and aging on impact strength for Al 6061-red mud composite using Taguchi technique

Abstract

Aluminium 6061-red mud composite has been successfully casted by using stir casting. Fairly uniform distribution of red mud reinforcement has been observed by SEM micrographs. The presence of red mud particles inside the matrix has been confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Impact testing has been done on impact testing machine with a range of 1–300 J (Charpy), 1–175 (Izod) and least count of 0.5 J. Impact strength shows a decreasing trend with increase in percentage reinforcement, aging time and is increased with increase in particle size. ANOVA analysis found that the effect of particle size and aging time are significant but the effect of percentage reinforcement has not been found significant. From the analysis, it can be observed that the particle size influences the impact strength most followed by aging time and percentage reinforcement. Optimum value of impact strength has been predicted by using Taguchi technique and confirmed experimentally by confirmation experiment results.