Processing, Characterization and Wear Response Of Particulate Filled Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites.

Solid particle erosion of polymer composites is a complex surface damage process, strongly affected by material properties and operational conditions. The present research work is undertaken to study the development, characterization and erosion wear performance of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites with and without particulate fillers. Attempts have been made to explore the possible use of some industrial wastes such as copper slag and red mud as filler materials in these composites. To make an assessment of their reinforcing potential in terms of wear performance and mechanical properties, two other conventional ceramic fillers such as alumina (Al2O3) and silicon carbide (SiC) are also considered for comparison. The mechanical properties and erosion wear characteristics of bamboo based hybrid composites are compared with those of a similar set of composites reinforced with the most commonly used synthetic fiber (E-glass). A theoretical model has been proposed for estimation of erosion damage caused by solid particle impact on bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The experimental results are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical values. This study indicates that erosion wear performance of bamboo based composites is better than that of the glass fiber reinforced composites. The morphology of eroded surfaces is examined by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and possible erosions mechanisms are discussed

Erosion Wear Behaviour of Bamboo/Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites

Now-a-days, there is an increasing interest in hybrid composites made by combination of two or more different types of fiber in a common matrix because these materials offer a range of properties that cannot be attained with a single type of reinforcement. The fibres are either natural or synthetic and both types of fiber have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in this work a new class of hybrid composite reinforced with a synthetic fiber and a natural fiber is developed to get the advantage of both the fibres in terms of superior tribological properties and economy. The present research work is undertaken to investigate the erosion behaviour of short bamboo and glass fiber reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites

Characterization of Elementary Industrial Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) Fiber and Its Fabric

In recent years, man-made fibers have been largely replaced by natural fibers as a reinforcement in polymer composites. Hemp fiber has the ability to be used as reinforcement in polymer composites due to its biodegradability, abundance, higher fiber production per acre, rapid growth rate, and high strength-to-weight ratio. Before reinforcing any fiber/fabric into the matrix to form composites, its characteristics should be investigated. The quality of the fiber has a significant impact on the properties of fiber reinforced composites. The fabric’s strength has a significant effect on the performance of a composite because it bears majority of the load. This paper describes modern and systematic methods for examining the physical and mechanical properties of industrial hemp fiber and its fabric. The hemp fiber is characterized in this study based on its constituents. Additionally, thermal stability, crystallinity, elemental analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are determined. The study discovered that the fiber had a high crystallinity value, a higher tensile modulus, and a breaking force comparable to some synthetic fibers. Because of the properties obtained, hemp fiber and fabric are suitable alternatives for use as reinforcing materials in polymer composites

An evolutionary approach to parameter optimisation of submerged arc welding in the hardfacing process

Abstract: The Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) process finds wide industrial application due to its easy applicability, high current density and ability to deposit a large amount of weld metal using more than one wire at the same time. It is highly emphasised in manufacturing especially because of its ability to restore worn parts. SAW is characterised by a large number of process parameters influencing the performance outputs such as deposition rate, dilution and hardness, which subsequently affect weld quality. An exhaustive literature survey indicates that five control factors, viz., arc current, arc voltage, welding speed, electrode stick-out and preheat temperature, predominantly influence weld quality. In relation to this, an attempt has been made in this study to analyse the effect of process parameters on outputs of welding using the Taguchi method. The relationship between control factors and performance outputs is established by means of nonlinear regression analysis, resulting in a valid mathematical model. Finally, Genetic Algorithm (GA), a popular evolutionary approach, is employed to optimise the welding process with multiple objectives

Effect of Red Mud and Copper Slag Particles on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

In the present work, a series of bamboo-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites are fabricated by using red mud and copper slag particles as filler materials. A filler plays an important role in determining the properties and behavior of particulate composites. The effects of these two fillers on the mechanical properties of bamboo-epoxy composites are investigated. Comparative analysis shows that with the incorporation of these fillers, the tensile strength of the composites increases significantly, whereas the flexural strength and impact strength decrease with increase in filler content (red mud and copper slag fillers) in the epoxy-bamboo fiber composites. The density and hardness are also affected by the type and content of filler particles. It is found that the addition of copper slag filler improves the hardness of the bamboo-epoxy composites, whereas the addition of red mud filler reduces the hardness value of bamboo-epoxy composites. The study reveals that the addition of copper slag filler in bamboo-epoxy composites shows better physical and mechanical properties as compared to the red-mud-filled composites