Exploring the Impact of Sustainable Stir Casting Process Parameters on the Tensile Strength of AA2017-AlNp Composites: A Taguchi Technique Approach

Abstract

By integrating sustainable materials and practices into the fabrication process of the AA2017/AlN composites, you can enhance their environmental performance and contribute to a more sustainable future for materials engineering.An attempt was made to investigate the impact of stir casting parameters on the tensile strength (TS) of AlN particles reinforced AA2017 matrix composites. The composites containing 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt.% AlN incorporated AA2017 matrix developed via stir casting route. Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal design layout consisting of four input parameters and four levels were chosen to fabricate the composites. The selected process parameters were stirring time (min), stirring speed (rpm), reinforcement (wt.%) and melting temperature (oC). Similarly, the output response was considered as tensile strength (TS) and the test was performed by universal testing machine (UTM). Taguchi approach was engaged to predict the finest setting of casting parameters to achieve the superior TS of the proposed AA2017/AlN composites. The statistical results revealed that the maximum TS was produced by stirring time of 8 min, stirring speed of 500 rpm, reinforcement content of 15 wt.% and melting temperature of 700oC. ANOVA results found that reinforcement (53.95%) was the notable factor for affecting the TS, next by stirring time (37.20%). By leveraging sustainable materials and manufacturing practices, this study contributes to the advancement of environmentally friendly materials engineering practices, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the field.