Optimization of adhesive strength of chrome coating of SS400 using Taguchi method

Abstract

SS400 is structural steel, which is categorized within low carbon steel. It could not be hardened by heat treatment. In order to increase its properties, SS400 is enhanced with surface treatment and surface plating. Chrome is an element added as an alloy or as a coating to increase the corrosion resistance of steel. It also improved the surface appearance by shining the surface of the steel. This research aims to develop the surface properties of SS400 using chrome by electroplating. The quality of the surface improvement was evaluated by adhesive strength using a PosiTest AT-M Adhesion tester according to ASTM D4541 standard. There are three parameters with three-level each: i.e. voltage (3 volts, 6 volts, and 9 volts), temperature (45 ℃, 50 ℃, and 55 ℃), and time (20 minutes, 25 minutes, and 30 minutes). Combination of parameters and levels according to the Taguchi orthogonal array L9(33 ) with thrice replication each. Minitab 18 was employed to analyze the S/N ratio and ANOVA. The results showed that the voltage, time, and temperature significantly contribute to the adhesiveness at the level of 51.18%, 39.7% and 7.25%, respectively. The maximum adhesiveness value of 22.11 MPa was achieved using a combination of the voltage of 9 volts, the temperature of 55 ℃, and the time of 25 minutes.