Optimization using Taguchi approach of production of magnesium matrix composites reinforced carbide using powder metallurgy

Magnesium is used in many fields because it has a very high specific strength and good processing capacity, making it a meaningful alternative to the aerospace and automotive industries. However, these conditions are not easy to achieve, because the cost is higher than aluminium, magnesium has been accepted for a long time. Due to the decline in the cost of magnesium has begun to occupy a place in the industry. In order to increase the strength of Mg and alloys, the strength of the solid solution and the intermetallic phase must be formed in the microstructure. However, since the phase is lost at high temperatures, Mg and its alloys must be reinforced with low density and high hardness particles. In this study, the optimum production parameters of the magnesium alloy matrix composites using the Taguchi method will be determined to determine their degree of corrosion resistance. Select the mechanical alloy time, enhanced, enhanced dosage, sintering time and sintering temperature as the production parameters. Optimum production parameters were determined by looking the relative density (%), bending strength and HB10 hardness values. Since the production of Mg and the alloy by the casting method is problematic, hot pressing is preferred in this study. Prior to this operation, a mechanical alloying process will be used to ensure uniform mixing of the powder. Ceramic-based carbide particles will be used as Mg-based composites as reinforcing materials. In addition, B4C, SiC, Mo2C and TiC carbides as carbides are preferred. The phase and microstructure of the composites were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The hardness of the material will be measured by a universal hardness measuring device. The relative density measurement will be carried out using the Archimedes method. The bending strength characteristics of the material will be carried out using a three-point bending test apparatus. The parameter levels which make to optimum the relative density (%), bending strength and HB10 hardness were founded as sintering temperature of 500 ℃, sintering time of 5 minutes, additive material B4C and additive rate 2.5%. The optimum values obtained under these conditions are a relative density of 98.74 (%), a hardness of 87.16 HB10 and a bending strength of 193.65 MPa. The effects of pH and concentration on the corrosion behaviour of Mg-Al alloys in NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions were investigated. The corrosion rate of magnesium alloys in NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions generally increases with increasing concentration and decreasing pH. Key Words: Taguchi method; optimization; metal matrix composites; microstructure; corrosion.