Experimental investigation and optimization of abrasive wear characteristics of polypropylene nanocomposites

The applications of the polymer nanocomposites are increasing to a greater extent in several sectors. In this investigation, the matrix selected was Polypropylene (PP) and reinforcing filler was Cloisite 30B (C3B) with Elvaloy-AC-3427 (EAC) as a compatibilizer. Twin screw extruder was used for manufacturing of PP/C3B/EAC nanocomposites. C3B was added at the range of 1, 2, 3, 5 wt% to PP matrix. The manufactured composites was analysed for mechanical and thermal characterization. The tribological characteristics of manufactured nanocomposites were studied using abrasive wear tests. The input parameters considered for the abrasive wear tests were (i) load, (ii) C3B and (iii) sliding distance. The output parameters for the abrasive wear tests were weight loss, Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Specific Wear Rate (SWR). Grey relational analysis and grey fuzzy were done for the optimisation of abrasive wear characteristics. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for analysing the effect of input parameters over the output factors. Finally, the abraded wear samples of PP/C3B/EAC nanocomposites samples were examined microscopically

Influence of Bagasse/Sisal Fibre Stacking Sequence on the Mechanical Characteristics of Hybrid-Epoxy Composites

The current study deals with the mechanical and morphological properties of sisal/bagasse fibers reinforced epoxy composites. The composites were developed by the hand layup process in four different proportions of sisal/bagasse fibers. The produced composites were characterized for its mechanical characteristics, namely, tensile, flexural, impact, Shore D hardness compression tests, water absorption and biodegradation tests as per ASTM. Morphologies were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. It was inferred that composites with three layers of sisal fibers and a core layer of sisal fibers produced good properties