Investigation of machinability with different parameters of various amount of nanosilica added glass fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

Composite materials have to undergo various machining processes according to the purpose for which they are used. Machinability refers to a material's response to removal of material. Therefore, this study used a vertical machining center to investigate the machinability of nanosilica-doped E-glass composite materials with varying reinforcement ratios and parameters. Nanosilica reinforcement ratios were determined according to studies in literature, and thus, the amounts of nanosilica material that would be used as filler in the composites were determined to be 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, respectively. The hot press method was used in the production of E-glass composites doped with nanosilica at different ratios. At varying reinforcement ratios, the effects of feed, speed, and depth parameters on surface roughness and delamination were examined. To assess the experimental findings, the Taguchi method was employed. Scanning electron microscopy is also utilized to identify potential issues that may arise when processing different concentrations of doped E-glass composite materials. It was found that feed rate had the biggest impact on machinability and the spindle speed was most effective for the surface roughness. It was also observed that during processing, the material experienced issues like fiber pull-out and breakage, and burrs developed on the slot edges.