Parametric optimization and ranking analysis of hybrid epoxy polymer composites based on mechanical, thermo-mechanical and abrasive wear performance

In this research work, designing and fabrication of hybrid epoxy polymer composite materials had been carried out. It consists of basalt fiber (constant fraction) and marble dust particulates (0-10 wt% @ step of 2.5%) ensuing five compositions namely, MBE-0, MBE-2.5, MBE-5, MBE-7.5, and MBE-10. The specimen's undergone physical, mechanical, and thermo-mechanical characterizations followed by three-body abrasive wear performance evaluation. Parametric optimizations of the wear have been evaluated with the Taguchi technique. The performance data are used to rank the compositions using a hybrid AHP-VIKOR selection making tool. It has been observed that voids content improves with reinforcement up to 5 wt% marble dust reinforcement, thereafter, it deteriorates sharply. The mechanical properties with 5 wt% marble dust reinforcement found to be highest. The thermo-mechanical characteristics like modulus and damping improve with marble dust reinforcement and temperature. The Cole-Cole plots reveal the heterogeneity present in the composites. The Taguchi's analysis reveals the order of operating factors influencing specific wear rate as abrading distance > normal load > reinforcement composition > abrasive size. The steady state-specific wear rate of the composites reveals decremented rate across the abrading distance range irrespective of reinforcement proportions and at any specific abrading distance the order it followed as MBE-5 < MBE-7.5 < MBE-2.5 < MBE-10 < MBE-0. The ranking analysis using hybrid AHP-VIKOR technique predicts the ranking sequence as MBE-5 > MBE-7.5 > MBE-2.5 > MBE-10 > MBE-0, which are in-line with subjective analysis.