Production and machining performance study of nano Al$_2$O$_3$ particle reinforced LM25 aluminum alloy composites

The purpose of this study is to prepare specimens of 10 and 20% nano Al$_2$O$_3$ particle reinforced LM25 metal matrix composites (MMCs) by stir casting. Another goal is to develop models using the response surface methodology (RSM) approach for predicting the surface roughness parameters and cutting force components during machining of the MMCs by a CBN7020 tool. With the help of the model developed, comparisons of 10 and 20 wt.% nano Al$_2$O$_3$ particle reinforced LM25 MMCs are performed. Combined effects of three cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut) on the surface roughness parameters and cutting force components are explored by using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The resultant values of the parameters are found to agree well with available experimental values.