Experimental investigation into characterization and machining of Al + SiCp nano-composites using coated carbide tool

Abstract

The current research paper discusses the characterization and machining (turning) operation of aluminium (Al) and silicon carbide nano particle (SiCp) nano composite. The paper reveals proper distribution of silicon carbide nano particles (25nm) with aluminium metal matrix. Initially, tensile test has been carried on metal matrix nano composite to study its different properties. It was noticed that the properties of Al-SiCp increases by increasing the weight percentage of SiCp. Viker hardness test has also been conducted to find out the hardness of metal matrix nano composites. Different techniques i.e. Optical microscopy EDX-Analysis were utilized to find out various ingredients of the nano-composite material. The experimental study was carried out using Taguchi L16 orthogonal array by taking three different factors at four different levels each. The response parameters i.e. flank wear of coated carbide insert and surface roughness of Al-SiCp has been optimized by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Various graphs like main effect plot and normal probability plot have been plotted and studied properly. Different optical images of coated insert carbide tools (Insert CNMG 12040822TN 6010) at different runs were conducted to visualize the effects of process and response parameters. From the ANOVA table, it was found that cutting speed as well as depth of cut are found to the most vital parameters in influencing the responses for VBc and depth of cut and feed are found to the most significant parameters in influencing the responses for Ra.