V.V.D. Sahithi,
Shishir Kasturi,
K. Aruna Prabha,
P. Prasad Kumar,
PV Elumalai,
Pratheeka Dahagam,
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering &Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- B. Tech student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering &Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering &Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering &Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aditya University, Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh, India
- B.Tech student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering &Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Abstract
Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have significant interest due to their superior mechanical properties, including improved strength, hardness, and fracture resistance. This study investigates the optimization of the mechanical and fracture behaviour of casted AA6061-SiC-Fly Ash (FA) MMCs using the TOPSIS method. Silicon carbide(SiC) and fly ash (FA) reinforcements, with different weight percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15% were fabricated through sand casting method. Total 10 combinations of composites are prepared to understand the impact of reinforcements and their percentages on the mechanical properties. The specimens were evaluated through a series of mechanical characterization tests like Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Impact Strength (IS), and Vickers Hardness (MVH), to evaluate the influence of reinforcement composition on the composite’s strength, toughness, and failure mechanisms. The TOPSIS optimization technique was applied to rank the specimens based on their mechanical performance, facilitating the identification of the optimum composite composition. The results revealed that specimen C9 with FA 5% and SiC 15% exhibited the highest impact strength (86 J) and a favorable combination of UTS (115.2 MPa) and hardness (67.5 Kgf), with 1st rank. The study highlights the critical role of SiC and FA reinforcements in improving the mechanical properties of AA6061-based MMCs, and it offers valuable insights for tailoring the composites for advanced engineering applications.
Keywords: Metal Matrix Composites, TOPSIS, AA6061 Aluminium Alloy, Optimization, hybrid composites
[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]
V.V.D. Sahithi, Shishir Kasturi, K. Aruna Prabha, P. Prasad Kumar, PV Elumalai, Pratheeka Dahagam. Multi Objective Optimization of Aluminium (AA6061-SiC-Flyash) Metal Matrix Composites using TOPSIS Method. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):459-469.
V.V.D. Sahithi, Shishir Kasturi, K. Aruna Prabha, P. Prasad Kumar, PV Elumalai, Pratheeka Dahagam. Multi Objective Optimization of Aluminium (AA6061-SiC-Flyash) Metal Matrix Composites using TOPSIS Method. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):459-469. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239938
Browse Figures
References
- Rasmi Ranjan Mishra, Amlana Panda, Ashok Kumar Sahoo, and Ramanuj Kumar, “Characterization and machinability analysis of aluminium-based metal matrix composites (MMC): A critical review,” Proc Inst Mech Eng C J Mech Eng Sci, vol. 239, no. 3, pp. 861–884, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1177/09544062241290091.
- Santulli, S. Palanisamy, and M. Kalimuthu, “Chapter 14 – Pineapple fibers, their composites and applications,” in The Textile Institute Book Series, S. Mavinkere Rangappa, J. Parameswaranpillai, S. Siengchin, T. Ozbakkaloglu, and H. B. T.-P. F. Wang their Composites, and Applications, Eds., Woodhead Publishing, 2022, pp. 323–346. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-824528-6.00007-2.
- Ralph, H. C. Yuen, and W. B. Lee, “The processing of metal matrix composites — an overview,” J Mater Process Technol, vol. 63, no. 1–3, pp. 339–353, Jan. 1997, doi: 10.1016/S0924-0136(96)02645-3.
- W. Kaczmar, K. Pietrzak, and W. Wlosiński, “The production and application of metal matrix composite materials,” J Mater Process Technol, vol. 106, no. 1–3, pp. 58–67, Oct. 2000, doi: 10.1016/S0924-0136(00)00639-7.
- C. Harrigan, “Commercial processing of metal matrix composites,” Materials Science and Engineering: A, vol. 244, no. 1, pp. 75–79, Mar. 1998, doi: 10.1016/S0921-5093(97)00828-9.
- P. Rawal, “Metal-matrix composites for space applications,” JOM, vol. 53, no. 4, pp. 14–17, 2001, doi: 10.1007/s11837-001-0139-z.
- Casati and M. Vedani, “Metal matrix composites reinforced by nano-particles—a review,” Metals (Basel), vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 65–83, 2014.
- [8] A. Hooker and P. J. and Doorbar, “Metal matrix composites for aeroengines,” Materials Science and Technology, vol. 16, no. 7–8, pp. 725–731, Jul. 2000, doi: 10.1179/026708300101508414.
- Bahl, “Fiber reinforced metal matrix composites – a review,” Mater Today Proc, vol. 39, pp. 317–323, Jan. 2021, doi: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2020.07.423.
- Ozden, R. Ekici, and F. Nair, “Investigation of impact behaviour of aluminium based SiC particle reinforced metal–matrix composites,” Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 484–494, Feb. 2007, doi: 10.1016/J.COMPOSITESA.2006.02.026.
- Almeshaal, S. Palanisamy, T. M. Murugesan, M. Palaniappan, and C. Santulli, “Physico-chemical characterization of Grewia Monticola Sond (GMS) fibers for prospective application in biocomposites,” Journal of Natural Fibers, vol. 19, no. 17, pp. 15276–15290, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1080/15440478.2022.2123076.
- L. Shen, J. J. Williams, G. Piotrowski, N. Chawla, and Y. L. Guo, “Correlation between tensile and indentation behavior of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites: an experimental and numerical study,” Acta Mater, vol. 49, no. 16, pp. 3219–3229, Sep. 2001, doi: 10.1016/S1359-6454(01)00226-9.
- Vijaya Ramnath, C. Elanchezhian, M. Jaivignesh, S. Rajesh, C. Parswajinan, and A. Siddique Ahmed Ghias, “Evaluation of mechanical properties of aluminium alloy–alumina–boron carbide metal matrix composites,” Mater Des, vol. 58, pp. 332–338, Jun. 2014, doi: 10.1016/J.MATDES.2014.01.068.
- Ö. N. Doǧan, J. A. Hawk, J. H. Tylczak, R. D. Wilson, and R. D. Govier, “Wear of titanium carbide reinforced metal matrix composites,” Wear, vol. 225–229, no. PART II, pp. 758–769, Apr. 1999, doi: 10.1016/S0043-1648(99)00030-7.
- Scudino et al., “Mechanical properties of Al-based metal matrix composites reinforced with Zr-based glassy particles produced by powder metallurgy,” Acta Mater, vol. 57, no. 6, pp. 2029–2039, Apr. 2009, doi: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2009.01.010.
- Avikal, A. Kumar Singh, K. C. Nithin Kumar, and G. Kumar Badhotiya, “A fuzzy-AHP and TOPSIS based approach for selection of metal matrix composite used in design and structural applications,” Mater Today Proc, vol. 46, pp. 11050–11053, Jan. 2021, doi: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2021.02.161.
- K. Bhuyan, B. C. Routara, and A. K. Parida, “An approach for optimization the process parameter by using TOPSIS Method of Al–24%SiC metal matrix composite during EDM,” Mater Today Proc, vol. 2, no. 4–5, pp. 3116–3124, Jan. 2015, doi: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2015.07.272.
- Prabhuram, S. Prathap Singh, J. Immanuel Durairaj, D. Elilraja, M. Chrispin Das, and D. Arthur Jebastine Sunderraj, “Optimization of operation parameters in machining of functionally graded metal matrix composite using TOPSIS,” Mater Today Proc, vol. 62, pp. 429–433, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2022.03.562.
- Senthil, S. Vinodh, and A. K. Singh, “Parametric optimisation of EDM on Al-Cu/TiB2 in-situ metal matrix composites using TOPSIS method,” International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 80–94, Jan. 2014, doi: 10.1504/IJMMM.2014.063922.
- Tamiloli, J. Venkatesan, G. Murali, S. P. Kodali, T. Sampath Kumar, and M. P. Arunkumar, “Optimization of end milling on Al–SiC-fly ash metal matrix composite using Topsis and fuzzy logic,” SN Appl Sci, vol. 1, no. 10, p. 1204, 2019, doi: 10.1007/s42452-019-1191-z.
- Kumar, S. Sharma, J. Singh, S. Singh, and G. Singh, “Optimization of Wire-EDM Process Parameters for Al-Mg-0.6Si-0.35Fe/15%RHA/5%Cu Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite Using TOPSIS: Processing and Characterizations,” Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing, vol. 6, no. 6, 2022, doi: 10.3390/jmmp6060150.
- Satpathy, S. Tripathy, N. P. Senapati, and M. K. Brahma, “Optimization of EDM process parameters for AlSiC- 20% SiC reinforced metal matrix composite with multi response using TOPSIS,” Mater Today Proc, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 3043–3052, Jan. 2017, doi: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2017.02.187.
- Basavarajappa, G. Chandramohan, and J. P. Davim, “Some studies on drilling of hybrid metal matrix composites based on Taguchi techniques,” J Mater Process Technol, vol. 196, no. 1–3, pp. 332–338, Jan. 2008, doi: 10.1016/J.JMATPROTEC.2007.05.043.
- Kalita, V. Kumar, and S. Chakraborty, “A novel MOALO-MODA ensemble approach for multi-objective optimization of machining parameters for metal matrix composites,” Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 179–197, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s41939-022-00138-5.
- Sharma and V. Kumar, “Multi-objective optimization of laser curve cutting of aluminium metal matrix composites using desirability function approach,” Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 1221–1238, 2016, doi: 10.1007/s40430-016-0487-9.
- Devanathan and A. SureshBabu, “Multi Objective Optimization of Process Parameters by Firefly Algorithm during the Friction Stir Welding of Metal Matrix Composites,” Transactions of FAMENA, vol. 45, no. 1, pp. 117–128, May 2021, doi: 10.21278/tof.451018520.
- Udaya Prakash, P. Sivaprakasam, S. Jebarose Juliyana, S. Ananth, C. Sarala Rubi, and A. Divya Sadhana, “Multi-objective optimization using grey relational analysis for wire EDM of aluminium matrix composites,” Mater Today Proc, vol. 72, pp. 2395–2401, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.1016/J.MATPR.2022.09.415.
- Mohit K Sahu, A Valarmathi, S Baskaran, V Anandakrishnan, and Rupesh K Pandey, “Multi-objective optimization of upsetting parameters of Al–TiC metal matrix composites: A grey Taguchi approach,” Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B, vol. 228, no. 11, pp. 1501–1507, Feb. 2014, doi: 10.1177/0954405413519434.
- Jamwal, R. Agrawal, and P. Gupta, “Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Techniques in the Optimization of Mechano-Tribological Properties of Copper-SiC-Graphite Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites,” in Intelligent Manufacturing, S. Pathak, Ed., Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021, pp. 149–172. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-50312-3_7.
- P. Senapati, R. Kumar, S. Tripathy, and A. Rout, “Multi-objective Optimization of EDM Process Parameters Using PCA and TOPSIS Method During the Machining of Al-20 % SiCp Metal Matrix Composite,” in Innovative Design and Development Practices in Aerospace and Automotive Engineering, R. P. Bajpai and U. Chandrasekhar, Eds., Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, 2017, pp. 359–367.
- Aruri, M. Kolli, S. Kosaraju, and G. Sai Kumar, “RSM-TOPSIS multi optimization of EDM factors for rotary stir casting hybrid (Al7075/B4C/Gr) composites,” International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM), 2022, doi: 10.1007/s12008-022-00893-2.
- N. Haq, P. Marimuthu, and R. Jeyapaul, “Multi response optimization of machining parameters of drilling Al/SiC metal matrix composite using grey relational analysis in the Taguchi method,” The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 250–255, 2008, doi: 10.1007/s00170-007-0981-4.
- K. Palanikumar and R. and Karthikeyan, “Optimal Machining Conditions for Turning of Particulate Metal Matrix Composites Using Taguchi and Response Surface Methodologies,” Machining Science and Technology, Vol. 10, No. 4, Pp. 417–433, Dec. 2006, Doi: 10.1080/10910340600996068.

Journal of Polymer & Composites
| Volume | 14 |
| Special Issue | 01 |
| Received | 26/06/2025 |
| Accepted | 17/07/2025 |
| Published | 17/02/2026 |
| Publication Time | 236 Days |
Login
PlumX Metrics