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1 – 3 of 3Ravikantha Prabhu, Sharun Mendonca, Pavana Kumara Bellairu, Rudolf Charles DSouza and Thirumaleshwara Bhat
This study aims to investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO2) filler on the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR) in flax fiber reinforced epoxy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO2) filler on the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR) in flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites (FFRCs) under abrasive wear conditions utilizing the Taguchi approach. The primary objective is to enhance wear resistance and promote the development of sustainable materials for various applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Epoxy/flax composites with varying TiO2 filler content (0–8 wt%) are fabricated through the hand layup method. Subsequently, wear testing is conducted following ASTM G99-05 standards. The Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are utilized for statistical analysis.
Findings
Results indicate a significant improvement in abrasive wear properties with the incorporation of TiO2 filler. The COF is found to be most influenced by the normal load (55.19%), followed by grit size, wt% TiO2 filler and sliding distance. SWR is found to be most influenced by the grit size (42.92%), followed by wt% TiO2, normal load and sliding distance. Notably, the Taguchi model aligns well with experimental results, demonstrating its efficacy in predicting the abrasive wear behavior of FFRCs.
Originality/value
This research introduces a novel hybrid composite that combines TiO2 filler and flax fibers, showcasing their potential to enhance the tribological properties of epoxy composites. The study offers valuable insights into optimizing abrasive wear test variables in natural fiber-reinforced composites using Taguchi DOE and ANOVA, crucial for improving the performance of sustainable materials in engineering applications.
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Ravikantha Prabhu, Sharun Mendonca, Pavana Kumara Bellairu, Rudolf Charles DSouza and Thirumaleshwara Bhat
This paper aims to report the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) particles on the physical, mechanical, tribological and water resistance properties of 5% NaOH-treated bamboo…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) particles on the physical, mechanical, tribological and water resistance properties of 5% NaOH-treated bamboo fiber–reinforced composites.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, the epoxy/bamboo/TiO2 hybrid composite filled with 0–8 Wt.% TiO2 particles has been fabricated using simple hand layup techniques, and testing of the developed composite was done in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard.
Findings
The results of this study indicate that the addition of TiO2 particles improved the mechanical properties of the developed epoxy/bamboo composites. Tensile properties were found to be maximum for 6 Wt.%, and impact strength was found to be maximum for 8 Wt.% TiO2 particles-filled composite. The highest flexural properties were found at a lower TiO2 fraction of 2 Wt.%. Adding TiO2 filler helped to reduce the water absorption rate. The studies related to the wear and friction behavior of the composite under dry and abrasive wear conditions reveal that TiO2 filler was beneficial in improving the wear performance of the composite.
Originality/value
This research paper attempts to include both TiO2 filler and bamboo fibers to develop a novel composite material. TiO2 micro and nanoparticles are promising filler materials; it helps to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of the epoxy composites and in literature, there is not much work reported, where TiO2 is used as a filler material with bamboo fiber–reinforced epoxy composites.
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Ravikantha Prabhu, Sharun Mendonca, Pavana Kumara Bellairu, Rudolf Charles DSouza and Thirumaleshwara Bhat
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO2) filler on the abrasive wear properties of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites (BFRCs) using a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO2) filler on the abrasive wear properties of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites (BFRCs) using a Taguchi approach. The study aims to enhance the abrasive wear resistance of these composites by introducing TiO2 filler as a potential reinforcement, thus contributing to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on the fabrication of epoxy/bamboo composites infused with TiO2 particles within the Wt.% range of 0–8 Wt.% using hand layup techniques. The resulting composites were subjected to wear testing according to ASTM G99-05 standards. Statistical analysis of the wear results was carried out using the Taguchi design of experiments (DOE). Additionally, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the influential control factors impacting the specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (COF).
Findings
The study illuminates how integrating TiO2 filler enhances abrasive wear in epoxy/bamboo composites. Statistical analysis of SWR highlights abrasive grit size (grit) as the most influential factor, followed by normal load, Wt.% of TiO2 and sliding distance. Analysis of the COF identifies normal load as the primary influential factor, followed by grit, Wt.% of TiO2 and sliding distance. The Taguchi predictive model closely aligns with experimental results, validating its reliability. The morphological study revealed significant differences between the unfilled and TiO2-filled composites. The inclusion of TiO2 improved wear resistance, as evidenced by reduced surface damage and wear debris.
Originality/value
This research paper aims to integrate TiO2 filler and bamboo fibers to create an innovative hybrid composite material. TiO2 micro and nanoparticles show promise as filler materials, contributing to improved tribological properties of epoxy composites. The utilization of Taguchi’s DOE and ANOVA for statistical analysis provides valuable guidance for academic researchers and practitioners in optimizing control variables, especially in the context of natural fiber reinforced composites.
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