Wear characteristics of glass-polyester-based hybrid composites: A parametric analysis using response surface method and fuzzy logic

Abstract

Marble dust generated during processing of the marble producing rocks is a major solid waste with a detrimental impact on environment. Analysis shows that this waste has constituents having compounds like SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, etc., in different proportions. This paper explores on the possible use of waste marble dust as secondary filler in glass-polyester composites and reports on its dry sliding wear characteristics. Such hybrid composites with unsaturated polyester as the matrix are fabricated by keeping the woven glass fibre loading fixed and by varying the weight fraction of the particulate filler, that is, marble dust through a simple hand layup route. Dry sliding wear trials are conducted under different test conditions as per ASTM G 99-05 following the L-30 model of response surface method (RSM). A parametric appraisal of the wear process is made using RSM and the significant control factors and their interactions influencing the specific wear rates are identified. Scanning electron microscopy of the worn composite surfaces is done to ascertain the wear mechanism. It is found that the presence of marble dust improves the wear resistance of unfilled glass-polyester composites substantially. Further, prediction of wear rate of the composites for a wide range of filler content and sliding velocities is conducted using RSM and another prediction model based on fuzzy logic and the outcomes are compared.