Multi-Criteria Optimisation in Drilling of Epoxy/Glass Fabric Hybrid Nanocomposite Using Grey Relational Analysis

This paper presents a study on the influence of cutting parameters (Cutting speed and Feed rate) on drilling multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled epoxy / glass fabric hybrid polymeric nanocomposite. For comparison neat epoxy / glass fabric polymeric composite was also fabricated. Drilling tests were carried out on these materials with HSS twist drill of diameter 6mm. Optimal cutting conditions were found using grey relational analysis by simultaneously considering the surface delaminations of the drilled holes at the entrance and exit sides. Surface delaminations of the drilled holes were quantified in terms of delamination factor. From the mean grey relational grades, it is observed that the multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has significant effect in improving the drilled hole quality. Mean grey relational grades of MWCNTs filled epoxy composite was found to be better than that of neat epoxy composite.