Sustainable Development of Cissus Quadrangularis Stem Fiber/epoxy Composite on Abrasive Wear Rate

Natural fibers have the potential to replace artificial fibers in structural applications. The abrasive wear performance of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite has not been investigated in many studies. This study discusses the specific wear rate of Cissus quadrangularis stem fiber (CQSF)/epoxy with coconut shell ash (CSA) composite using a three-body rubber wheel wear test rig. The results were analyzed by using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. The input parameters are velocities (0.75, 1.5, and 2.25 m/s), abrading distances (400, 600, and 800 m), applied loads (10, 20, and 30 N) and CSA filler (0, 5, and 10 wt.%), and the output response is specific wear rate. The average mean signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio under 'lower-the-best' condition for specific wear rate is 35.54 dB. The filler addition significantly reduced the specific wear rate at 5 wt.% of CSA addition. The influence of filler on specific wear rate is higher than other input parameters followed by load, abrasive distance, and velocity. The experimental and predicted values of the specific wear rate for the optimum input parameters were 5.36 $$ \times $$x 10(-3) and 5.17 $$ \times $$x 10(-3) mm(3)/Nm. The worn surfaces were examined with the help of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images.

Automated summary

The study discusses the specific wear rate of CQSF/epoxy with CSA composite, finding that filler significantly reduces specific wear rate at 5 wt.% CSA addition. Experimental results show that the influence of filler on specific wear rate is greater than other input parameters, followed by load, abrasive distance, and velocity.