Experimental investigation and optimization of abrasive wear characteristics of polypropylene nanocomposites

The applications of the polymer nanocomposites are increasing to a greater extent in several sectors. In this investigation, the matrix selected was Polypropylene (PP) and reinforcing filler was Cloisite 30B (C3B) with Elvaloy-AC-3427 (EAC) as a compatibilizer. Twin screw extruder was used for manufacturing of PP/C3B/EAC nanocomposites. C3B was added at the range of 1, 2, 3, 5 wt% to PP matrix. The manufactured composites was analysed for mechanical and thermal characterization. The tribological characteristics of manufactured nanocomposites were studied using abrasive wear tests. The input parameters considered for the abrasive wear tests were (i) load, (ii) C3B and (iii) sliding distance. The output parameters for the abrasive wear tests were weight loss, Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Specific Wear Rate (SWR). Grey relational analysis and grey fuzzy were done for the optimisation of abrasive wear characteristics. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for analysing the effect of input parameters over the output factors. Finally, the abraded wear samples of PP/C3B/EAC nanocomposites samples were examined microscopically.