International Journal of Engineering and Technology

The aim of this research is to optimize of stir casting process parameters to minimize the specific wear of Al-SiC composites by Taguchi method. Composite material used in this research was Al-Si aluminum alloy as the matrix and SiC (silicon carbide) particles size 400 mesh as the reinforcement. Experimental design used L16 orthogonal arrays Taguchi method standards. Experimental factors used in the making of composite samples were SiC content, melt temperature, rotation speed and stirring duration, each with 4 levels or variations. The microstructures of Al-SiC composite were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Experimental result showed that the optimum of stir casting process parameters are SiC content of 15 wt.%, melt temperature of 740 oC, rotation speed of 300 rpm and stirring duration of 10 minutes. The most significant parameter which affected on specific wear was SiC content which contributes 88.67%. Adding content of SiC from 0 to 15 wt. % can decrease the specific wear of Al-SiC composites about 90.08 %.