EFFECT OF STIRRING SPEED, TEMPERATURE, AND REINFORCEMENT FRACTION ON THE MICROSTRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AL–SI/FE₂O₃ COMPOSITES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/jm.v49.719Keywords:
Optimization, Taguchi, Stir Casting, Reinforcement, Al-SiAbstract
This study investigates the influence of stirring speed, melting temperature, and reinforcement fraction on the microstructural characteristics of Al–Si/Fe₂O₃ composites produced using the stir casting method. A Taguchi-based experimental approach was employed to optimize the process variables through an orthogonal array design, enabling a systematic and efficient evaluation of parameter effects. The cast specimens were characterized using optical microscopy and SEM-EDX to examine morphology, particle distribution, and elemental composition. Grain size analysis was performed using Python-based image processing to obtain a more comprehensive quantification of the microstructure. The Taguchi analysis identified the optimal parameter combination at a stirring speed of 1000 rpm, a processing temperature of 600 °C, and a reinforcement fraction of 1 wt%. This setting produced a grain size of 235.92 μm, representing the most consistent performance based on the signal-to-noise ratio and demonstrating strong agreement between the predicted optimum and the observed microstructural results.
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