Optimization of Test Parameters that Influence on Dry Sliding Wear Performance of Steel Embedded Glass/Epoxy Hybrid Composites by Using the Taguchi Approach

In the present study, the tribological performance of steel embedded E-glass fiber/epoxy (SGFPC) was studied with the help of the pin/ball on disc wear testing machine. The specific wear rate (SWR) and the average coefficient of friction (CoF) were investigated. The parameters based on process parameters and material composition such as steel volume %, sliding distance, and applied load is identified, which are affecting the wear of composite samples. The design of experiments was planned with the help of the Taguchi technique and L27 Orthogonal Array was used. Composites were fabricated using the hand-lay-up method. The volume percentage of steel metal rod/pipe was varied from 0 to 10% and glass fiber from 50 to 60%, while the percentage of epoxy was kept 40% stable. The improved wear performance was observed in steel embedded glass/epoxy composites. To identify the influence of parameter, Taguchi, and ANOVA techniques were used, which are the best tools for statistical analysis. MINITAB™ version 19 software was used for the analysis of experimental data with considering “smaller is better” as excellent quality. The dry sliding wear performance was optimized to achieving minimal SWR and average CoF. Steel volume 10%, sliding distance 1000 m, and applied load 80 N were observed as optimum factors to achieving minimal SWR and average CoF. From the analysis of experimental data, it is observed that SWR and average CoF were raised with the rise in the sliding distance and load, whereas it decreased as increased steel volume %. A considerable reduction in the collective SWR of 50.47 % and CoF of 31.48 % is achieved by reinforcing steel vol. 10 % in E-glass fiber / epoxy composite. At last, the worn surfaces of the hybrid composites are observed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).