Abrasive water jet machining of Sisal/Pineapple epoxy hybrid composites with the addition of various fly ash filler

Abstract

This research was based on influence of various fly ash filler content in the machining properties of Pineapple (P)/Sisal (S) hybrid fiber reinforcement composites. Fly ash from bio waste materials of Bagasse (BGFA), Banana (BFA) and Coir (CFA) were used. High hardness nature of 3% BFA (22.73 HV) and 3% CFA (23.85 HV) reduces Material Removal Rate (MRR) and increases its surface roughness nature of the composites. Maximum MRR of 376.38 mm ^3 min ^−1 was observed in 3% BGFA combinations with 250 MPa Water jet Pressure (WP), 1mm Standoff Distance (SOD) and 20 mm min ^−1 Traverse Speed (TS) as machining parameters. MRR of 353.64 and 352.76 mm ^3 min ^−1 was found out with 1% CFA and 1% BFA combinations. Lower surface roughness of 6.39 μ m, 6.71 μ m and 6.75 μ m was found in 3% BGFA, 1% CFA and 1% BFA based composites. Filler surface created a tight bonding with the matrix, which reduces the erosion of fiber particles at higher WP. Untreated fibers showed lesser machining properties due to low fiber/matrix bonding. SEM results showed reducing of cracks and matrix breakages by the substitution of filler powders.

Keywords

• hybrid natural fiber composites
• particle reinforcement
• machining properties
• filler addition