Prediction of the properties of sintered copper-graphite composites using response surface methodology

The present study aims to predict the density and hardness of copper-graphite composites prepared by powder metallurgy using response surface methodology. Copper-graphite composites were investigated for phase composition and microstructure properties. Density and hardness values were assessed using a central composite design, followed by RSM-based optimization. Sintering temperature, holding time, and graphite weight percentage were used as process parameters, while density and hardness were the response variables. The significance of process conditions was assessed using ANOVA. A quadratic regression model was fitted to estimate the response variable values. It was found that the density and hardness values were highest in the composite containing 3.06 wt.% graphite, sintered at 944°C for 1.5 h. The calculated values demonstrated excellent agreement with the experimental data, exhibiting negligible errors.