Parametric Optimization of Surface Roughness and Delamination Damage in End Milling Operation of GFRP Laminate Modified With MWCNT

Abstract

Abstract In the present investigation, milling operation is carried out on pristine woven GFRP and MWCNT loaded GFRP laminates. The experiments were performed by changing the parameters like depth of cut, spindle speed and feed rate to optimize the machining output. Feed rate and spindle speed were changed in the range of 40 – 100 mm/min and 1000 - 2000 rpm respectively while the depth of slot was varied in the range of 0.5 – 1.5 mm using 4-flute solid carbide end milling tool of 6 mm diameter on a vertical milling machine. Experiments are executed according to orthogonal array of taguchi design and Response table shows the involvement of process parameters on performances. Experimental result shows that the inclusion of MWCNT in GFRP lead to the better surface finish and less delamination damage factor compare to plain GFRP laminates. It was also found that surface quality improves at high spindle speed and low feed rate for both the specimens. Optical microscopy and FESEM were applied to study about extent of delamination, fiber pull-out, micro-cracking and surface finish for both GFRP and MWCNT doped GFRP laminate. FESEM image shows good surface finish and less machining defect at optimal parameter combination for both plain GFRP and MWCNT doped GFRP laminates