Tribological characterization of sustainable Jute-Epoxy-Rubber crumb hybrid composite

Abstract

The present work deals with three body abrasive behavior of Jute-Epoxy-Rubber crumb hybrid composites at different rubber crumb loading (0%, 5% and 10%). Three body abrasive wear tests are performed to determine the specific wear rate for different combination of proposed composites in terms of filler percentage, abrasive distance, and load. Results indicate that addition of rubber crumb as filler in the proposed composite results in enhanced resistance to abrasion. Statistical method, Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array is used to find the most influential factor affecting the abrasive behavior of the proposed composites. The outcome of the statistical approach revealed that the filler is the most influential factor influencing abrasion of the proposed composites. Experimental results are compared with the predicted results and it was found that they agree well with each other. The SEM micrographs studies reveal the dynamics of three body abrasive wear and underlying micro mechanisms that serve as determinant for wear performance of such composites.