Optimization of Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) Addition Parameters on the Physical Properties of Al-Si Alloys as an Advanced Material Innovation

Aluminum-silicon alloys are widely used in the industrial world, one of which is because they have high wear resistance. The aim of this research is to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the Al-Si alloy after strengthening by mixing reinforcing materials. The research method uses Taguchi optimization and analysis of the physical properties of the Al-Si alloy test results. The results showed that the highest hardness value was obtained in the 7th experiment, namely with a rotation variation of 2000 rpm, temperature of 6000C, and holding time of 60 seconds. This result is in line with the results of the tensile strength test, where the highest tensile strength was also obtained in the 7th experiment. This result is supported by the results of other researchers, which show that the higher the rotation in the casting results in higher hardness. The results of the microphotographs show that all alloy materials have an even distribution of grains, the grain size appears small, and the dendrites in the raw Al-Si alloy appear small compared to other materials. The macro photo results show that all alloy materials have fractures that appear brittle, as evidenced by the fact that these fractures provide light reflection.