Optimization of Input Parameters on Erosion Wear Rate of PTFE/HNT filled nanocomposites

Abstract

In the current paper an extensive study on erosion wear is carried out on PTFE/HNT nanocomposites by air jet erosion tester as per ASTM G76 standard. The test is conducted on nanocomposite samples those are made with 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of HNT in PTFE matrix. The experiments are designed in a user defined response surface methodology (RSM) and are performed on the erosion tester. The control factors used are: composition (A) with 3 levels, pressure (B) with 3 levels and impingement angle (C) with 4 levels. A full factorial design with 36 runs is planned. The results are then analyzed by using Design Expert software in response surface methodology (RSM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also carried out and a quadratic model with regression equation is established. Surface plots are plotted corresponding to factors AB, BC, and AC. Conforming to the minimization of erosive wear at desirability equal to 1: 4.67% by weight HNT composition, 0.9235 bar pressure, and 900 impingement angle, a wear rate of 0.0391x10-5g/g is found. Also plots representing the effect of impingement angle and pressure on erosion wear rate are plotted. From the plots maximum wear is found corresponding to low impingement angles and higher operating pressures