Abstract:
Sisal fiber is abundantly available in Ethiopia and both sisal and glass fibers have low
density, cost, and high mechanical performance. This research aims to investigate quality
of drilled hole of hybrid sisal-glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites (HSGFREC)
material using roundness error, surface roughness, and material removal rate as quality
characteristics. As well, Taguchi and GRA methods were used to analyze and obtain
optimum drilling parameters. The sample was fabricated using hand lay-up technique
with a 40% volume fraction of fibers (sisal: 15% and glass: 25%) and 60% of epoxy as
matrix material with a 1:10 volume ratio of hardener. Examination of roundness error
was conducted using digital Vernier caliper, surface roughness was measured by AFM
testing device and MRR was determined empirically. The experimental results
demonstrated that for obtaining low roundness error, reduced surface roughness and
maximized MRR, feed rat, is the most significant parameter among all drilling
parameters. And the optimum drilling parameters is spindle speed of 600rev/min, feed
rate of 0.3mm/rev, drill bit diameter of 8mm, and cutting fluid ratio of 1%. As the results
show, and compared with other researcher findings, the challenge in drilling of
HSGFREC materials can be reduced by optimizing its drilling parameter and exploit the
applicability for automotive parts and other body panels.
Keywords: Sisal, Glass, Hybrid, Drilling, Roundness error, Surface roughness, MRR,
Taguchi, GRA