Optimization of High Energy Ball Milling Parameters for Synthesis of Ti_1-xAl_xN Powder

Taguchi’s method was applied to investigate the effect of the main HEBM parameters: milling time (MT), ball to powder weight ratio (BPWR) and milling speed (MS) on the dissolved AlN fraction in TiN. The settings of HEBM parameters were determined by using the orthogonal experiments array (OA). The as-received and milled powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The optimum milling parameter combination was determined by using the analysis of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) the milling speed is the most effective parameter and the optimal conditions for powder synthesis are: MT 20h, MS 600rpm, BPWR 50:1. The result of the experiment conducted under optimal conditions (AlN was completely dissolved during experiment) confirmed the conclusions of the statistical analysis.