Investigation on the effects of the processing parameters and the number of passes on the flexural properties of polymer nanocomposite fabricated through FSP method

Abstract

Flexural properties calculation helps in designing structural elements like beam, cantilever and shafts. Moreover, the flexural properties are of vital importance in engineering and industrial applications such as joints replacements. The purpose of this investigation is to study for the first time, how the friction stir processing (FSP) parameters affects the flexural properties of UHMW-PE composites reinforced with nano particles. The tool rotational speed (ψ), tool feed rate (ƒ), volume percentage (ν) of nano powder and tool shoulder temperature (τ) are selected as the process parameters. The ultimate flexural strength (UFS) and flexural yield strength (FYS) are calculated from the flexural test stress-strain diagrams. The analysis of variance is conducted which reveals that the selected parameters are significant for both UFS and FYS. Macroscopic and microscopic study shows that the FSP parameters affects the mixing of the strengthening particles and hence the flexural properties of the composite. The combinations of low level of ν with medium level values of other parameters results in the highest flexural properties. Moreover, the combinations of higher levels of τ and ψ results in material degradation. At the end, optimum conditions for the highest flexural properties are sorted out and the effect of increasing the number of passes has been investigated which significantly improve the flexural properties of the composite material.