Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Optimization of Hybrid Carbon-Epoxy Composites Wear using Taguchi Method

The purpose of this research work is to explore the potential of nano silicon dioxide (nSiO2) with the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CF/Ep) composite for achieving better wear resistance and viscoelasticity. An effort is made to improve the material behavior by modifying epoxy with silane treated nSiO2. Ultrasonication process is used to disperse the nano particles uniformly within the matrix material. Mono CF/Ep composite and hybrid nSiO2-CF/Ep composites are fabricated by vacuum bagging method. Post curing of the composites is carried out effectively. Dry sliding wear tests are conducted using Taguchi technique by considering four levels, three factors namely, filler loading (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 3 wt.%), sliding velocity (0.75, 1.5, 2.25 and 3 m/s) and load (15, 30, 45, and 60 N). Further from the analysis of variance, the impact of each factor and level on specific wear rate (Ks) and coefficient of friction (COF) are examined. The result revealed that the lowest Ks and COF are in 3 wt.% nSiO2 filled CF/Ep hybrid composite. The optimum control factor-level combinations identified from the experiments, for achieving lowest Ks (0101×10-13 m3/Nm) and COF (0.221), are 3 wt.% filler loading, sliding velocity of 0.75 m/s, and an applied load of 60 N. Based on Signal to noise graph, confirmation test is conducted. Worn surface of the composites are analyzed utilizing scanning electron microscope. Damping behavior of the composites is analyzed from room temperature till 160 °C. As the filler content increased, storage modulus (E') and glass transition (Tg) temperature increased. 3 wt.%, nSiO2 filled composite showed higher E' of 18386 MPa and Tg of 87.3 °C.