Experimental investigation of milling on basalt-jute hybrid composites with graphene as nanofiller

Abstract

Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) are mostly used in industrial purposes due to there low cost and good mechanical properties. Natural composite materials are preferred when compared to synthetic composite materials as they are available in abundance and are of low cost, non carcinogenic and eco friendly. Machining processes like milling and drilling are inevitable during assembly of parts. Surface finish obtained after machining operation is an issue of concern as rough surface may lead to crack initiation and finally failure of part. In the present work, natural fibers jute, basalt and hybrid composite of jute and basalt with varying concentrations of graphene are fabricated with epoxy as matrix material. End milling is performed on the fabricated composites at varying parameters and variation in surface finish is determined. It is found that after milling, pure jute fiber composite showed least surface roughness followed by basalt fiber composite. Hybridization led to increased surface roughness of the composite. Addition of graphene (0.2 wt%, 0.4 wt% and 0.6 wt%) to hybrid composites improved lubrication and led to reduced surface roughness.