Taguchi Optimization of Mechanical Properties in Al-Kaoline Metal Matrix Composite Fabricated Through Powder Metallurgy Technique

Abstract

AbstractAluminium-based metal matrix composites are widely used in automobile industry to fabricate parts like pistons, connecting rods and brake disc, etc., due to the inherent properties like lighter weight, higher corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication of aluminium metal matrix composites compared to other matrix materials like Mg and Cu. In this paper Al–x% Kaoline (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) MMC fabricated through powder metallurgy technique by applying the pressure of 350, 400 and 450 MPa for each reinforcement percentage. Taguchi optimization technique was employed to identify the optimal processing parameters for fabricating Al-Kaoline MMC. Two processing parameters, i.e. % reinforcement and compaction pressure, were optimized for corresponding values of hardness, ultimate tensile strength, compression strength. Experiments were performed based on L18 orthogonal array. The response of the processing parameters was investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the results showed that % reinforcement is most influencing processing parameter for output responses. Finally, conformation test was performed based on optimal parameters to validate the results. The obtained hardness, ultimate tensile stress and compression strength at corresponding optimal process parameters were 169 VHN, 312 MPa and 309 MPa, respectively. KeywordsKaoline reinforcementMetal matrix compositeTaguchi approachANOVA