Tribological wear analysis of HRS/CNT polymer hybrid composites using statistical optimization technique

This study has investigated the tribological characteristics of Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis (HRS)/carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy based hybrid composites, such as wear and frictional force. The experiments were carried-out using different input process variables and from the analysis conducted it has been noticed that the optimal input parameters for minimizing wear (0.0041 mg/m) and frictional force (5.32 N) for HRS/CNT/Epoxy based hybrid composites were load of approximately 19.62 N, a sliding velocity of 1 m/s, a sliding distance of 500 m, and a CNT fibers content of 3 wt%. Further the analysis using ANOVA it was found that, load exerts the significant impact on both wear (84%) and frictional force (75.38%). The sliding velocity and CNT wt% had less impact on wear and frictional force. Additionally, the study successfully derived a second-order polynomial equation to predict wear and frictional force by utilizing response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM model provided high degree of accuracy in predicting wear and frictional force. The model predictions were highly accurate, exhibiting an average error of less than 8.01% for wear and 6.23% for frictional force. By utilizing desirability function analysis, the study successfully combines multiple performance criteria into a comprehensive framework for material optimization. This approach paves the way for future advancements in hybrid composite development. Overall, the results offer valuable insights into the design of composite materials that can meet the increasing demands for superior mechanical properties in diverse industrial sectors.