Application of Taguchi L32 orthogonal design to optimize flexural strength of ZrB2-based composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

In this work, Taguchi L32 experimental design was applied to optimize flexural strength of ZrB2-based composites which were prepared by SPS. With this aim, batch ZrB2-based composites tests were performed to achieve targeted experimental design with nine factors (SiC, carbon fiber (Cf), MoSi2, HfB2 and ZrC content, milling time of Cf (M.t, hr) and SPS parameters such as temperature, time and pressure) at four different levels. Optimal experimental conditions were determined by calculated standard analysis. “Higher is better” approach was followed to calculate standard analysis. By using statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA), it has been concluded that the most significant effect on the densification is related to temperature with 23.8%, ZrC with 16.2%, HfB2 with 9.8%, SiC with 9.6% and Cf with 8%, respectively. MoSi2 with 2% has the least influence on flexural strength. Other factors, such as time, M.t and pressure have 6.2%, 5.7% and 3.9% portion on flexural strength, respectively.