Showing 45 results for Treatment
Mitra Ghannadi, Hediye Hosseini, Bagher Mohammad Sadeghi, Bahman Mirzakhani, Mohammad Tahaaha Honaramooz,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
The objective of the present paper is to investigate the effects of rapid heating and cryogenic cooling on on the microstructure and tensile properties of Al-Cu-Mg. The specimens were subjected to three heat treatment cycles in which the Infrared heating (IR) were used as the heating medium at the ageing stage, and the liquid nitrogen and water were used as the quenching mediums. The ageing temperature and time were 190⁰C and from 2 hours to 10 hours, respectively.The results indicated that by using IR at the ageing stage, the hardening rate enhanced because the rapid heating via this method leads to faster diffusion of the alloying elements. Moreover, the high density of nano-sized precipitates formed during ageingleads to higher strength and suitable ductility. Cryogenic treatment showed a negligible effect on both microstructure and tensile properties; however, it improved ductility. Overall, the combination of a high heating rate and cryogenic treatment led to the highest mechanical properties. SEM micrograph of the fracture surface of alloy demonstrated that in Cryogenic treatment+Artificial Ageing (CAA) condition, the surface had been fully covered by deep dimples in contrast to the Cryogenic treatment+Infrared Heating (CIR) and Water-Quench+ Infrared Heating (QIR) conditions which their dimples were shallow and also some facets were observed.
Anas Al-Reyahi, Salem Yahya Degs, Ayman Issa, Zyad Khattari, Mohammed Abu Al Sayyed,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The structural properties of a natural clay sample (51% kaolinite) were tweaked to suit specific applications. H2SO4 and NaOH (1.0 M) treatment caused structural alterations and a significant release of Al ions compared to Si ions. Chemical treatment caused structural alterations, according to XRD analysis. FTIR analysis also indicated higher density of polar surface groups upon treatment which affected the corresponding dielectric behaviors. Dielectric measurements shown the suitable application of the materials either as dielectrical insulator and this dependent on the applied frequency. Acid treated kaolinite was reported to be a promising dielectric at 10 and 1000 Hz. With appropriate mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) 12.098-12.182 cm2/g and a high half value layer of 10 cm at 10 keV, kaolinite and other treated forms were adequate shielding materials.
Mohammad Reza Zamani Meymian, Razieh Keshtmand,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Tin oxide (SnO2) is used as an electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells with a planar
structure due to its good transparency and energy level alignment with the perovskite layer. The modification
interface of the electron transport layer and the perovskite absorber layer plays an important role in the efficient
charge extraction process at the interface. In this study, planar perovskite solar cells with configuration
(FTO/SnO2/mixed-cation perovskite/CuInS2/Au) were prepared to investigate the effect of UV-Ozone (UVO) treated
SnO2 as ETL on the performance of devices. ETL treatment was performed at different times (0 to 60 min). It is
shown that surface wetting was improved by UVO treating the SnO2 films prior to deposition of the perovskite layer.
The latter improves the contact between the ETL and the perovskite layer, allowing more efficient electron transport
at the interface. Contact angle, SEM, photoluminescence spectra, and the current density-voltage tests were
conducted to characterize the photovoltaic of the cells. The best PSC performance with a power conversion
efficiency of 10.96% was achieved using UVO-treated SnO2 ETL for 30 min, whereas the power conversion
efficiency of the perovskite solar cells with SnO2 ETL without UVO treatment was only 4.34%.
Hamid Reza Rezaei Ashtiani, Shahab Moghaddam,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
In this study, the effects of heat treatment of aluminum alloy on the tube bending process were investigated in the rotary draw bending process. As two experimental and numerical simulation methods were used to determine the wall-thinning, ovality, and spring back for extruded, annealed, and aged AA6063 aluminum alloy tubes in different bending angles and bend radii. Numerical simulations were done by the finite element method with Abaqus software. The results indicated that in comparison with annealed and extruded parts, wall-thinning reduced whereas the amount of ovality and spring-back increased in the aged tubes. Also, in each case, the percentage of wall-thinning decreased with increasing bend radius, and the effect of bend radius was greater in the reduction of ovality from the bending angle. Investigations showed that the spring-back rate also decreased with an increasing bending angle.
Morteza Hadi, Omid Bayat, Hadi Karimi, Mohsen Sadeghi, Taghi Isfahani,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
In this research, the effect of initial microstructure and solution treatment on rollability and crystallographic texture of a Cu-Mn-Ni-Sn alloy has been investigated. The initial tests indicated that the rolling of the alloy at different temperature conditions is not possible due to formation of second phases. Herein to eliminate the segregated phases, according to DTA analysis, proper temperature for solution treatment was selected as 750°C applied at different periods of time. The obtained results showed that after 15-hour solution treatment, the complete elimination of Sn, Mn, Ni, and Fe-rich phases can be achieved. Also, the peaks of XRD shifted to the higher angles indicating that the alloying elements are dissolved. Meanwhile, the intensity of the texture reduced and the dominant texture changed from Goss and Brass-texture to Copper-texture. Accordingly, the amount of maximum total reduction at the rolling process increased from 16.37 to 109.46 after solution treatment.
Abdur Rahman, Serajul Haque,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
The effect of the milling time & ageing on the hardness, density, and wear characteristics of Al 7150 alloy specimens made via powder metallurgy has been studied. The different constituents of Al 7150 alloy were processed in a planetary ball milling set up with a BPR of 10:1 for 5 hours, 10 hours, and 20 hours. At 400 °C, the milled powders were subsequently hot compacted in a punch die setup. The hot-pressed specimens were solutionized initially, then aged artificially at 115 °C for 3, 6, 12, 24, 30, 45, 60, and 96 hours. The relative density was inversely proportional to the milling time. Microhardness tests showed a maximum VHN of 255 was measured for the 24 h aged T6 specimens produced from 20 h milled powders whereas the non-aged specimens, made from unmilled 7150 alloy powders showed a VHN of 40. However the samples showed a decline in microhardness beyond 24 h of ageing. Under various conditions of sliding distance and loading conditions, the samples subjected to T6 aging showed a reduced volumetric wear rate indicating the beneficial effect of artificial aging up to 24 hours. The volumetric wear rate gradually declined for the samples aged beyond 24 hours of aging. The HRTEM studies revealed a high density of uniformly scattered (MgZn2) precipitates in the base matrix, as well as (MgZn2) phases precipitating along grain boundaries. The presence of such second phase precipitates in the matrix improved the wear characteristics of the alloy matrix. The results showed that optimization of process parameters such as milling time, ageing as well as reducing the particle size of the base powders, the hardness and wear behavior of Al 7150 alloy may be improved.
Mohammad Abankar, Hossein Arabi, Mohammad Taghi Salehi, Majid Abbasi,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The aims of this research were to evaluate the effects of different thermomechanical treatments on the microstructure and investigate some of the mechanical properties of a TWIP steel rich in Mn & Al. So, a block of a TWIP steel with nominal composition Fe-17.5Mn-1.36Al-0.8C was cast and then subjected to hot rolling followed by cold rolling and heat treatment. Cold rolling was performed before heat treatment in order to reduce the grain size and improve the tensile and fatigue properties. X-ray diffraction technique was used before and after the heat treatment to evaluate the possibility of any phase formation. No sign of martensitic transformation after cold deformation was observed. However, by increasing the amount of cold deformation, the number of mechanical twins and slip band increased resulted to an increase in hardness and strength. The best tensile and fatigue result were obtained after 47% thickness reduction and annealing at 715˚C for 10 min. Under these conditions, the mean grain size reduced from 138 to 9 μm resulted to an increase in yield strength from 395 to 510 MPa, and the fatigue life improvement from the mean life of 10200 for the cast sample to 21500 cycles for the treated sample, when these samples underwent fatigue tests at a stress range of 650 MPa and R=0. In addition, the diameter and depth of dimples in fracture surfaces decreased by reducing the grain size but the fracture mode was remained ductile and adequate plastic deformation occurred before failure.
Sandeep Ramasamy Periasamy, Vaira Vignesh Ramalingam, Ajay Vijayakumar, Harieharran Senthilkumaran, Vyomateja Sajja, Padmanaban Ramasamy, Samuel Ratna Kumar Kumar Paul Sureshkumar ,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
Novelty: Most of the open literature research has focused on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of AA2050 alloy. Also, a significant study discusses the corrosion behavior of AA2050 alloy based on immersion and electrochemical characteristics. The influence of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir processed AA2050 alloy is scarcely discussed in the open literature. The hot salt corrosion characteristics of friction stir processed AA2050 seldom exists in the available literature. This study concentrates on microhardness, tensile strength, and corrosion properties of friction stir processed AA2050. Also, the work focuses on the influence of artificial aging on the microhardness, and tensile strength of the friction stir processed AA2050.
Mohammad Alipour,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of graphene nano sheets on the structural characteristics and dry sliding wear behaviour of Al-5Cu-1Mg aluminium alloy. The optimum amount of GNPs for proper grain refining was selected as 0.5 wt.%. T6 heat treatment was applied for all specimens before wear testing. Significant improvements in wear properties were obtained with the addition of GNPs combined with T6 heat treatment. Dry sliding wear performance of the alloy was examined in normal atmospheric conditions. The experimental results showed that the T6 heat treatment considerably improved the resistance of Al-5Cu-1Mg aluminium alloy to the dry sliding wear. The results showed that dry sliding wear performance of without T6 microstructure specimens was a lower value than that of with T6 specimens.
Mohammad Porhonar, Yazdan Shajari, Seyed Hossein Razavi, Zahra-Sadat Seyedraoufi,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
In this research, after pressing in a cylindrical mold, the AA 7075 alloy swarf was melted and cast in a wet sand mold. After rolling and cutting, sheets with two different thicknesses of 6 and 20 mm were obtained. The sheets after homogenization were solutionized at 485°C for 30 and 90 minutes, respectively, due to differences in thickness and thermal gradients. The solutionized samples were quenched in 3 polymer solutions containing 10, 30, and 50% Poly Alekylene Glycol. The results showed that melting, casting, rolling, and heat treatment of AA7075 alloy swarf similar properties to this alloy is achievable. Microstructural studies by optical microscopes (OM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that by increasing the quenching rate after the solutionizing process, precipitation increases during aging. The tensile test results indicated that as the quench rate and internal energy increase, the diffusion driving force would increase the precipitation of alloying elements. Hence, this leads to an increase in hardness and reduction of its strain after aging.
Sajad Ghaemifar, Hamed Mirzadeh,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Phase transformations and the evolution of hardness during elevated-temperature annealing of Inconel 718 superalloy manufactured by the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) were investigated. The microstructural evolution, elemental analysis, phase formation, and hardening were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Vickers indentation test, respectively. It was observed that the effect of annealing treatments is directly governed by the annealing parameters (i.e. time and temperature), for which the hardness measurement as a fruitful and convenient tool can reveal this effect. The increase of the hardness, which was obtained by the annealing (aging) treatments at the temperature range of 800-900 °C, indicated precipitation of the Ni3Nb γ˝ strengthening phase; while owing to the coarsening of precipitates as a results of overaging at this temperature range, the hardness decreased. For instance the length and aspect ratio of precipitates in the aged sample at 800 °C for 1 h is 67.14 nm and 0.32, respectively; while these values in the aged sample at 800 °C for 8 h is 78.34 nm and 0.44, respectively. On the other hand, the decrease of the hardness at temperatures of 950 and 1000 °C was attributed to the decrease of dislocation density in conjunction with the Ni2Nb Laves phase dissolution. Hence, it is crucial to determine the annealing parameters according to the required microstructure and properties.
Ali Hosseinian Naeini, Seyed Ali Hosseini Moradi,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
The growth of industries, populations, and industrial activities includes environmental pollutants. Pollution causes problems such as reduced light transmission, anaerobic conditions, and complications such as allergies and cancer for humans and other living organisms. The adsorption method is one of the most attractive, and efficient methods for removing environmental pollutants such as pharmaceuticals. Among the standard methods for wastewater treatment, adsorption is more efficient than other methods and is more economical. They have a meager price. Adsorption of pollutants can be an excellent way to remove toxic substances from polluted waters and industrial effluents. In this review, pharmaceutical removal by adsorption process was reviewed in details.
Seyed Hossein Razavi, Mehdi Safavi, M. Reza Aboutalebi, Seyed Mehdi Abbasi,
Volume 21, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
This study examines how solution treatment temperature affects the dissolution of fine-grained areas (FGAs) that form during hot rolling of René 65 nickel-based superalloy. These FGAs, which are rich in sub-micron to micron-sized primary γ' precipitates (γ'I) and located mainly in shear bands, remained stable after sub-solvus treatments below 1055 °C. They dissolved gradually with increasing temperature and disappeared completely above 1115 °C. The resulting microstructural changes, along with high-temperature tensile properties and creep behavior in the 1055–1115 °C range (followed by aging at 760 °C for 8 h), were evaluated. Raising the solution temperature reduced the FGA volume fraction and improved tensile elongation, while yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) remained largely unchanged. At 1095 °C, creep life at 730 °C / 530 MPa exceeded 100 h without fracture and exhibited a notably lower steady-state creep rate. These improvements appear linked to the elimination of secondary γ' depleted zones around the former FGAs, which produced a more uniform secondary γ' distribution, greater crack path deflection, and continued Zener pinning by remaining primary precipitates. However, solution treatment at 1115 °C caused grain growth and coarsening of secondary precipitates, which reduced creep performance. Overall, 1095 °C provided the best compromise for microstructural uniformity and balanced high-temperature properties in hot-rolled René 65.
Yugen Kulkarni, Niketa Pawar, Namrata Erandole, Muskan Mulani, Mujjamil Shikalgar, Swapnil Banne, Dipali Potdar, Ravindra Mane, Smita Mahajan, Prashant Chikode,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
The paper investigates the solar photodegradation of Methylene Blue dye using copper oxide (CuO) thin films synthesized by the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. The structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the CuO thin films have been investigated by employing a variety of methods, such as Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The outcomes showed that CuO thin films with excellent surface shape and a highly crystalline nature had been successfully deposited. Methylene Blue was subjected to solar radiation during its photodegradation process, and the outcomes showed a significant decrease in the dye's concentration over time. To maximize the photo degradation process, the effects of other experimental factors were also assessed, such as the starting concentration of MB, the quantity of CuO thin film, number of SILAR cycles and the pH of the solution. Good photocatalytic activity is demonstrated by CuO thin films produced using the SILAR approach in the solar photodegradation of methylene blue. The development of affordable and ecologically friendly wastewater treatment technology that can use sun energy to break down persistent organic contaminants is affected by these findings.
Tumelo Moloi, Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu, Maina Maringa, Amos Muiruri,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
The stability of microstructure at high temperatures is necessary for many applications. This paper presents investigations on the effect of changes in temperature on the microstructures of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V(ELI) alloy, as a prelude to high temperature fatigue testing of the material. In the present study, a Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) EOSINT M290 was used to additively manufacture test samples. Produced samples were stress relieved and half of these were then annealed at high temperatures. The samples were then heated from room temperature to various temperatures, held there for three hours and thereafter, cooled slowly in the air to room temperature. During tensile testing, the specimens was heated up to the intended test temperature and held there for 30 minutes, and then tensile loads applied to the specimens till fracture. Metallographic samples were then prepared for examination of their microstructures both at the fracture surfaces and away from them. The obtained results showed that changes in temperature do have effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V(ELI) alloy. It is concluded in the paper that changes in temperature will affect the fatigue properties of the alloy.
Yaser Vahidshad, Karen Abrinia,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Selective laser melting (SLM) is a widely used additive manufacturing method for 3D-printing metal parts. This study investigates how SLM parameters affect the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of maraging steel 300. A process window was developed, revealing that maximum density and minimal porosity are achieved when laser energy density exceeds 50 J/mm³. Optimal parameters—100 mm/s scan speed, 20 μm layer thickness, 0.15 mm hatch distance, Stripe scanning strategy, and XZ build direction—were identified. Optimal processing reduced porosity, increased martensite content, and enhanced strength, reaching 1064 MPa and improving by 75% to 1862 MPa after aging and solution treatment. Strength gains were attributed to the uniform dispersion of nano-sized precipitates (such as Ni(Mo)3 and Ni(Ti, Al)3) within the martensitic matrix. Additionally, it was found that higher cooling rates further improve the mechanical strength of heat-treated parts.
Samira Pishkar Ahrab, Mahdiyeh Pourali, Mohammadtaghi Hamedani,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites with various molar ratios of CuO were successfully synthesized. Sol-gel method was used to syntehesize nanocomposite materials at a low temperature. A set of experiments, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, was used to confirm the successful synthesis of Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites in crystalline form.
The photocatalytic activity of the samples was investigated via the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye
from synthetic wastewater under three distinct conditions: visible light, ultraviolet light, and a combination of visible light with ultrasonic treatment. Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposite with a molar ratio of 1:1:0.5 showed the highest photocatalytic activity when irradiated with either visible or ultraviolet light. Furthermore, when visible light was combined with ultrasonic treatment, complete (100%) removal of methylene blue was achieved within 120 minutes. The results demonstrate that these nanocomposites are efficient catalysts for wastewater treatment through the removal of organic pollutants Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites with various molar ratios of CuO were successfully synthesized. Sol-gel method was used to syntehesize nanocomposite materials at a low temperature. A set of experiments, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, was used to confirm the successful synthesis of Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposites in crystalline form.
The photocatalytic activity of the samples was investigated via the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye
from synthetic wastewater under three distinct conditions: visible light, ultraviolet light, and a combination of visible light with ultrasonic treatment. Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO nanocomposite with a molar ratio of 1:1:0.5 showed the highest photocatalytic activity when irradiated with either visible or ultraviolet light. Furthermore, when visible light was combined with ultrasonic treatment, complete (100%) removal of methylene blue was achieved within 120 minutes. The results demonstrate that these nanocomposites are efficient catalysts for wastewater treatment through the removal of organic pollutants
Mohsen Sadeghpour Motlagh, Sara Banijamali, Bijan Eftekhari Yekta,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
This study investigates the crystallization behavior and microstructural evolution of lithium metasilicate (Li₂SiO₃) glass subjected to thermal histories designed to emulate the cooling stage of zirconia infiltration in dental restorations. Three thermal routes were examined: (i) a non-isothermal schedule to identify crystallization and melting events, (ii) a controlled isothermal schedule to obtain homogeneous glass–ceramic microstructures, and (iii) a quasi-isothermal natural cooling schedule from the molten state to mimic the thermal profile during infiltration without reproducing actual capillary flow or interfacial reactions. Phase identification and quantitative analysis were performed by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement, and the resulting microstructures were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Under isothermal conditions, lithium metasilicate (Li₂SiO₃), lithium disilicate (Li₂Si₂O₅), γ-spodumene (γ-LiAlSi₂O₆), β-lithium phosphate (β-Li₃PO₄), and quartz crystallized with an overall crystallized fraction of approximately 62±0.9 wt.%. In contrast, quasi-isothermal cooling produced a crystallized fraction exceeding 87±1 wt.%, dominated by lithium metasilicate (Li₂SiO₃), β-lithium phosphate, quartz, and cristobalite, with neither lithium disilicate (Li2Si2O5) nor γ-spodumene (γ-LiAlSi₂O₆) detected under the present XRD conditions. The quasi-isothermal route also generated significantly coarser morphologies: average crystal length and thickness were roughly 10-fold and 31-fold larger, respectively, than those in the isothermally treated sample. These results demonstrate that the thermal path strongly governs phase assemblage, crystallized volume fraction, and crystal morphology in lithium silicate glass–ceramics. By clarifying how controlled versus quasi-isothermal cooling histories shape the final microstructure, this work provides a structural basis for optimizing lithium silicate glasses used in zirconia infiltration technology and for guiding future studies on the mechanical and functional performance of these materials.
Ehsan Bazzaz, Majid Alitavoli, Mehdi Yarmohammad Tooski, Mohammad Mehdi Bazzaz,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Improvement of the mechanical properties of the coated surfaces was the matter of significant researches for a long time. A lot of physical and chemical operations were applied and examined on the coating surfaces successfully, but the effect of the mechanical treatments was not widely investigated. In this paper, the effect of a surface mechanical treatment on the micro coating layer has been studied and investigated. For this purpose, the necessary conditions have been created for implying impact to the coating surface. A setup of gas gun facility with well-designed and prepared projectiles are used to strike the sample surface with different speeds. A significant number of impacts have been inflicted on the test sample of the spade drill insert cutting tool. The consequence of this process is the change in crystal structure of the coating layer, which shows that under the created conditions, the crystal structure was not destroyed and instead getting compacted so that the size of the crystal grains has been reduced and considerably refined. Subsequent studies using electron microscopy have led to the measurement of the average size of the crystalline grains before and after impacts. Obviously, a significant effect has been observed and a meaningful trend has been seen for this change in the form of a linear relationship. The main result is that about 4% reduction in the average grain size happens when the impact speed changes by 10m/s. In this way, the principal basis for the use of this surface treatment in improving the surface properties of the micro coating layers is provided. This leads to the application of such treatments as an industry process for improvement of thin coating mechanical properties.
Asaad Kadhim Eqal, Haidar Akram Hussein,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (9-2026)
Abstract
The influence of different heat treatment parameters, namely solutionizing and artificial
aging conditions, on the microstructure, mechanical hardness, and corrosion resistance of Al-
12Si-Cu alloy are systematically explored in this work. Solution treatment was performed at
two temperatures (500°C and 530°C) and two durations (0.5 and 3 hours), and artificial aging
was made at two temperatures (180°C and 310°C) over two durations (2 and 5 hours).
Optical microscopy also showed interesting microstructural changes with fine grain
refinement and enhanced spheroidization of the coarse eutectic Si phase and a more uniform
distribution of primary intermetallic grains. These structural adjustments were identified as
direct determinants of properties of the material. Maximum microhardness (155 HV) was
achieved at the temperatures of 500°C/3 h solutionizing and 180°C for 5 h aging (S3), which
was ascribed to successful solid solution strengthening and fine precipitation hardening. In
contrast, the lowest hardness (54 HV) was obtained at the values 530°C/3 h + 310°C/5 h (S8),
showing the harmful impact of over-aging at higher temperatures. Analysis of
electrochemical corrosion detected a significant correlation between the corrosion resistance
and treated microstructure, where conditions favoring microstructural refinement resulted in a
decrease in corrosion current density. A Design of Experiments (DOE) method by way of the
Taguchi L8 orthogonal array was used to find out how each parameter contributed relative to
the other variable. The analysis revealed that, whilst the aging temperature was the most
influential factor to the microhardness, the solution time was the controlling factor on the
surface roughness. The results demonstrate a robust determination of the main processing
windows which are known to be crucial to enhance particular properties and verify the
tremendous feasibility of temperature control in heat treatment process optimization in
engineering the necessary trade-off between mechanical strength and corrosion performance
in Al-12Si-Cu alloys.
