Himalayan Natural Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites: Effect of Grewia optiva/Bauhinia Vahlii Fibers on Physico-mechanical and Dry Sliding Wear Behavior

The physical, mechanical, and sliding wear properties of Grewia optiva and hybrid G. optiva/Bauhinia vahlii fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were investigated. Results reveal that 6 wt.% hybrid G. optiva/B. vahlii fiber-added composites resulted in highest physical (void content, water absorption) and mechanical (impact energy, hardness, tensile, and flexural strength) properties. An L-27 orthogonal array of Taguchi method was implemented to extract the optimal level of control factors. The optimal combination of control factors for achieving lowest wear rate was obtained as 4 wt.% fiber content, 2.5 m/s sliding velocity, 15 N normal load and 2000 m sliding distance.

Automated summary

The study found that composites with 6% hybrid Grewia optiva/Bauhinia vahlii fibers had the highest physical and mechanical properties. The optimal combination of control factors for achieving the lowest wear rate was determined using the Taguchi method.