Optimization of Milling Parameters of Unmodified Calotropis Procera Fiber-Reinforced PLA Composite (UCPFRPC)

Hassan K Langat,James N Keraita,Fredrick M Mwema,Job M Wambua,Tien-Chien Jen,Esther T Akinlabi

doi:10.3390/jcs5100261

Abstract

This study involves the optimization of the milling parameters of unmodified Calotropis Procera fiber-reinforced PLA composite (UCPFRPC). The material is prepared from the combination of 20% Calotropis-Procera and 80% of PLA by weight. The experiments are designed using the Taguchi methodology, where 16 experiments are obtained using the spindle rotational speed, depth of cut, and feed rate as the parameters. These experiments were conducted while obtaining thermal images using an infrared camera and recording the machining time. The change in mass was then determined and the material removal rate computed. The machined workpieces were then investigated for surface roughness. The study shows that the optimal milling parameters in the machining of UCPFRPC for the lowest surface roughness are 400 rpm, 400 mm/min, and 0.2 mm, for the rotational spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. The parameters were 400 rpm, 100 mm/min, and 1.2 mm for the largest MRR, and 400 rpm, 400 mm/min, and 0.2 mm for the least average milling temperature. In all the responses, the depth of cut is the most significant factor.

Highlights

Natural fiber reinforced composites are extensively finding applications in various fields such as automotive and construction as a replacement to synthetic fiber reinforced composites [1]
It could be observed that the depth of cut had the largest impact on the surface roughness, followed by the spindle rotational speed, and lastly, the feed rate, as indicated by the delta value
From the milling of unmodified Calotropis Procera fiber-reinforced PLA composite conducted in this study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1

Summary

Introduction

Natural fiber reinforced composites are extensively finding applications in various fields such as automotive and construction as a replacement to synthetic fiber reinforced composites [1]. Studies have focused on fully degradable composites based on natural fiber and bio-polymer matrix [4,5]. This has been motivated by the properties arising from the components, such as sustainability, abundance, low density, and low cost of these materials [6]. Roy et al studied machinability of natural fiber reinforced polymer composite: conventional vs ultrasonically assisted machining [9]. Jamal et al studied the effect of machining parameters on delamination during milling of banana fiber reinforced polyester composite [10]. Wang et al studied the impacts of machining temperature in milling of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites [12]. The results of this article form a wider contribution to science, towards the provision of information necessary to steer ahead the applicability of bio-composites

Design of Experiments

Material and Equipment

Results

Average milling temperature main effect plots

Conclusions