Experimental investigation and optimization of abrasive water jet machining parameter on multi-walled carbon nanotube doped epoxy/carbon laminate

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite performs an essential role in the manufacturing sectors due to unique engineering properties. This study presents a systematic analysis and optimization of machining responses during abrasive water jet machining of carbon fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite. In this Taguchi design-based analysis, the influence of parameters like multi-walled carbon nanotube weight percentage, jet pressure, traverse rate, and standoff distance on surface roughness, kerf taper, material removal rate, delamination factor at jet entry and exit has been investigated. Analysis of variance is utilized to find significant factors. Grey relational analysis establishes that multi-walled carbon nanotube and jet pressure are found to affect the overall responses significantly. Optimization of parameters with contradictory conditions has been executed that resulted in reduced surface roughness of 25.31%, kerf taper of 23.94%, entry delamination factor of 26.08%, exit delamination of 26.16% and improved material removal rate of 4.25% compared to initial parameters setting. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.