Machinability analysis of Typha angustifolia natural fiber reinforced composites through experimental modeling - Influence of fiber orientation

Natural fiber composites are currently considered to be the most sustainable and renewable substitute for synthetic fiber composites in several low and medium-density applications. Various research works are ongoing to evaluate the machinability of plant-based natural fiber composites. In the current investigation, an attempt has been made to fabricate and examine the drilling behavior of Typha angustifolia fiber reinforced (TAFR) composite. Composites were manufactured using Typha angustifolia fibers in unidirectional (UD) and bidirectional (BD) orientations using the epoxy matrix through the compression molding technique. Fibers were characterized using the X-ray diffraction method to determine the crystallinity index and crystallite size. Drilling experiments were conducted on TAFR composites and using Taguchi's L18 mixed-level design with various process parameters the experiments were conducted. The optimal experimental combination rendering the lowest value of exit delamination and thrust force was determined using Taguchi-TOPSIS hybrid approach. A quadratic model was also developed to predict the response of drilling. Drilled hole morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to know about various failure mechanisms and damages induced during the drilling operations. It was found from the results that the lowest speed and feed rate and higher drill diameter rendered minimal delamination and thrust force for both UD and BD TAFR composites.