The effect of various composite and operating parameters in wear properties of epoxy-based natural fiber composites

In this experiment banana fly ash (BA) at 1, 3 and 4 wt% was mixed with the hybrid natural fiber combination of sisal/pineapple at 30, 40 and 50 wt%. Grey relational analysis (GRA) coupled with Taguchi method is followed to find the common optimal parameter combination that yields lesser specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction while testing the developed novel polymer matrix composites against steel ball. The multi-response optimization using GRA pointed out that minimal addition of BA filler (1 wt%), hybrid fibre content (30 wt%), higher sliding distance (1500 m) and lesser loading (5 N) results in good overall tribological properties. The addition of filler materials and hybrid fibres with the polymer matrix results in increased friction. The SEM results showed high adding up of fiber results in pull out of fibers in the epoxy resin resulting in high wear rate of natural composites. Good fiber/filler/epoxy bonding created a tribolayer surface in the combination and that reduces the surface contact between counter specimen and work piece with reduced SWR.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of adding banana fly ash and hybrid natural fibers on the tribological properties of polymer matrix composites. The grey relational analysis and Taguchi method were used to optimize the parameter combination and improve the overall tribological performance. The results suggest that the addition of filler materials and fibers can affect friction, and an optimal combination of parameters can reduce the wear rate.