Optimization of Hybrid Epoxy Composites with Chicken Feather Fibers and TiO₂ for Enhanced Wear Resistance using Taguchi Technique

Abstract

Introduction: Hybrid composites have become potential materials in such applications for improved wear resistance. Standard composites made from carbon or Kevlar fibers are well-known for mechanical purposes but also need improvement in their tribological characteristics. TiO₂ and CFF as fillers may introduce novel reinforcement mechanisms, which may contribute to enhancing the mechanical and wear properties of the composites.

Objectives: This work aims to study the wear behaviour of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with carbon fiber, Kevlar fabric and new fillers—titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and chicken feathers fibers (CFF). The Taguchi method was adopted using an L27 orthogonal array to study the best parameter settings for reducing wear rate.

Methods: The Taguchi Methodology is implemented to find optimum set of parameters and response parameter. The ANOVA is applied to find most influencing parameter on wear rate.

Results: The study distinguished that 4% TiO₂ and 2–3% CFF showed improved wear resistance, informing the potential industrial applications of composites for automotive, aerospace, and structural components. The optimum set of parameters is TiO2 (2%), CFF (2%), Load (10N), Sliding Distance (500), and Sliding Speed (2 m/s) which approximately 0.1767 mm3/Nm wear rate.

Conclusions: The addition of 4% TiO2 and 2–3% CFF in Carbon-Kevlar epoxy composites gives excellent wear resistance as outlined in this study. For minimization of wear rate and coefficient of friction, Taguchi method with L27 orthogonal array was used to determine the most efficient combination of parameters. These results contribute to optimize industrial application specific hybrid composites, especially in wear reduced areas. The optimum set of parameters is TiO2 (2%), CFF (2%), Load (10N), Sliding Distance (500), and Sliding Speed (2 m/s) which approximately 0.1767 mm3/Nm wear rate