The research work aims to utilize one of the cheapest and most abundantly available natural fibre, sisal fibre, to fabricate a hybrid nanocomposite possessing high performance efficiency. Glass fibre (GFC), sisal fibre (SFC) and hybrid glass/sisal fibre reinforced epoxy laminate composites (HFC) were prepared and subsequently, three of the most promising nano-fillers, MXene (HFCMXN), Graphene nanoplatelet (HFCGNP) and Multi-walled carbon nanotube (HFCCNT), were added into the hybrid composite. The fabricated composites were comprehensively assessed and analysed for their mechanical properties, swelling and flammability behaviour. It was observed that the glass fibre reinforced composite had lowest void content (6.3%) and glass/sisal fibre reinforced laminate had the highest void content (17.2%). The addition of nano-fillers did not further enhance the void content owing to the relatively uniform dispersion of the nanoparticle, which was particularly ensured during the whole fabrication process. The incorporation of nano-fillers led to a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties; tensile and flexural strength being highest for composites containing two dimensional nano-fillers. The GFC exhibited minimum weight gain (2.25%) and least swelling thickness (1.66%) upon soaking. Among hybrid composites, nano-filler reinforced composites had relatively less weight gain post in comparison to the hybrid composite without any nano-filler. HFCGNP had a weight gain of 6.69%, as opposed to 8.51% observed in case of HFC. The nano-fillers acted as an effective water barrier that reduced the tendency of water absorption. Furthermore, upon flammability test it was found that the burning rate decreased in order of GFC, HFC, HFCCNT, HFCMXN, HFCGNP and SFC. The addition of nano-fillers led to a decrease in the burning rate owing to the promising flame retardant properties of graphene which suppressed flame propagation and helped in extinguishing the flame.
Purpose
Inconel 718 is difficult to machine due to its high toughness and study hardenability. Though the use of cutting fluids alleviates the problem, it is not sustainable. So, supply of a small quantity of specialized coolant to the machining zone or use of a solid lubricant is a possible solution. The purpose of the present work is to improve machinability of Inconel718 using graphene nanoplatelets.
Design/methodology/approach
In the present study, graphene is used in the machining of Inconel 718 alloy. Graphene is applied in the following two forms: as a solid lubricant and as an inclusion in cutting fluid. Graphene-based self-lubricating tool and graphene added nanofluids are prepared and applied to turning of Inconel 718 at varying cutting velocities. Performances are compared by measuring cutting forces, cutting temperature, tool wear and surface roughness.
Findings
Graphene, in both forms, showed superior performance compared to dry machining. In total, 0.3 Wt.% graphene added nanofluids showed the lowest cutting tool temperature and flank wear with 44.95% and 83.37% decrease, respectively, compared to dry machining and lowest surface roughness, 0.424 times compared to dry machining at 87 m/min.
Originality/value
Graphene could improve the machinability of Inconel 718 when used in tools as a solid lubricant and also when used as a dispersant in cutting fluid. Graphene used as a dispersant in cutting fluid is found to be more effective.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.