Multi-response optimization on the annealing of accumulative roll bonded monolithic Ti and Ti–SiCp composites

• Monolithic Ti and Ti–SiC composites were produced by ARB and annealing.
• Taguchi method successfully was used for multiple response optimizations.
• High strength-high toughness Ti and Ti–SiC composites were obtained.
• Processing with optimum conditions showed 2.27 times improvement in Y.S.
• Toughness of specimen processed in optimum conditions showed 5.8% reduction.

The high strength and high toughness monolithic titanium and Ti–SiCp composites were fabricated by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) and subsequent annealing. The tensile test, Vickers hardness measurements and microscopic observations were used for the characterization of materials. To clarify the concurrent optimal processing conditions for strength and toughness, optimizing multiple performance characteristics by Taguchi’s approach was employed. The input factors were SiC particles percentage, annealing time and annealing temperature. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify the relative influence of factors on the variation of the multiple performance characteristics. By assigning equal weights to response factors, it was found that the annealing temperature is the most influential factor. Annealing time was considered as a significant factor while reinforcement percentage was statistically less significant. Yield strength of the processed specimen by optimal factor levels was 2.27 times higher and toughness was 5.8% lower than that of the raw titanium material.