Artificial neural network technique to predict the properties of multiwall carbon nanotube-fly ash reinforced aluminium composite

Abstract

In this study, prediction of density and hardness properties using artificial neural network (ANN) and micro structural evolution of multi walled carbon nano tubes (MWCNT) and fly ashes (FA)/Al composites produced by powder metallurgy were investigated. The influence of content (wt.%) of reinforcements(MWCNTs and FA), ball milling time and sintering time on the mechanical properties were experimentally determined by measuring density and hardness values which are the outputs obtained from the artificial neural network. It was found that amount of reinforcements, ball milling time and sintering time play a major role in dispersion and enhancement of the properties. It was also demonstrated that ANN model is a powerful prediction technique to predict the mechanical properties of the composites. Blend powder morphology and sintered composite structure were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that reinforcements were well dispersed for prolonged ball milling time and sintering time. Keywords: Powder metallurgy, Aluminium, Fly ash, Multi wall carbon nanotube, Aluminium metal matrix composite, Scanning electron microscope, Artificial neural network