Processing parameters in the ball milling of niobium hydride: An optimization approach

Due to its particular properties, niobium has been widely used in the industry. In order to produce niobium-base parts, its powder can be obtained through a powder metallurgy's method called ball milling. In this article, the ball milling parameters, in the production of niobium's powder,have been optimized using the Taguchi's method in order to obtain a high yield in the process, considering a particle size smaller than 75 mu m. Taguchi's method, among several experimental designs, has been chosen due to its simplicity, efficiency and systematic approach to determine the optimal parameters in a manufacturing process. The experimental results have been indicated that the milling speed and time are the main variables in the process. In addition, the morphology of niobium hydride particles with the lowest and highest yield has been analyzed through the electron microscopy's scanner.