Optimization of Aging, Coating Temperature and Reinforcement Ratio on Biosilica Toughened in-situ Al-TiB2 Metal Matrix Composite: a Taguchi Grey Relational Approach

• Published in: SILICON 2022-06, Vol.14 (8), p.4337-4347
• Main Authors: Hanish Anand, S., Venkateshwaran, N., Sai Prasanna Kumar, J. V., Kumar, D., Ramesh Kumar, C., Maridurai, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Aging (metallurgy); Alloys; Aluminum alloys; Aluminum composites; Aluminum matrix composites; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Coating; Composite materials; Corrosion; Environmental Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Lasers; Manufacturing; Materials Science; Mechanical engineering; Mechanical properties; Optical Devices; Optics; Optimization; Original Paper; Orthogonal arrays; Particulate composites; Photomicrographs; Photonics; Polymer Sciences; Process parameters; Process variables; Protective coatings; Reinforcement; Surface hardness; Tensile strength; Titanium diboride; Wear rate
• ISSN: 1876-990X; 1876-9918
• DOI: 10.1007/s12633-021-01232-y

The aim of this study was to optimize metal matrix composite manufacturing process parameters such as ageing period, coating temperature, and reinforcement ratio in order to produce high-performance aluminum metal matrix composites for variety of applications. Using the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array scheme and the grey relational approach, the biosilica toughened in-situ Al-TiB 2 metal matrix composites were prepared. The ageing period was found to be the most controlling process parameter among other variables, according to the study. Similarly, the process variables such as aging time of 300 min, coating temperature of 70 o C and reinforcement ratio of 0.6 (A 1 B 2 C 3 ) were found to be new optimum process variables. The SEM micrographs of composite’s surface confirm the decent deposition of Ni-P at 70 o C. The grey relational grade value was improved from 0.678 to 0.696 for optimized process variables. The tensile strength of 187.62 MPa, surface hardness of 95.23 BHN and specific wear rate of 0.004 mm 3 /Nm with COF of 0.42 was the outcome of the optimized study. The grey relational grade value of confirmation experiment is improved by 1.31 % from the predicted mean value of experiment A 1 B 3 C 3 with GRG of 0.687.