Evaluation of Corrosion Properties of Al2O3 and SiC Reinforced Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites Using Taguchi’s Techniques
M. Ravikumar, H.N. Reddappa, R. Suresh, M N Reddy, E. R. Babu, Nagaraja C. Reddy, C. Ravikumar, H. C. Ananda Murthy
Abstract
We report the fabrication of alumina (Al2O3) and silicon carbide (SiC) particulates reinforced Al metal matrix composites (Al MMCs) by stir casting method.The effect of reinforcement and heat treatment on the corrosion properties of Al matrix and r-Al MMCs were investigated by polarization, impedance and weight loss methods.Taguchi's experimental design method was employed to set the process parameters.In order to find the optimal process parameter levels, orthogonal arrays of Taguchi, the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, the analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression analyses were employed.The analysis on the effect of these parameters on the corrosion rates has also been discussed.The results revealed that the rate of corrosion decrease with increase in the content of Al2O3 and SiC particulates in the r-Al MMCs.A significant enhancement in the corrosion resistance was observed with heat treated of Al alloy and its composites.The morphological analysis by SEM micrographs revealed the lesser formation of cavities due to corrosion upon the increase in Al2O3 content which would be beneficial for corrosive application.