Slurry erosive study and optimization of material and process parameters of single and hybrid matrix flexible composites using Taguchi approach

Abstract

The present study is aimed at comparing the slurry erosive behaviour of single matrix flexible composite (SMFC) with hybrid matrix flexible composite (HyMFC) made from jute fiber and natural rubber. Natural rubber based bonding gum is used as the second matrix for HyMFC, whereas the natural rubber sheet acts as matrix in case of SMFC. Both SMFC and HyMFC with stacking sequences namely jute/rubber/jute (JRJ), jute/rubber/rubber/jute (JRRJ) and jute/rubber/jute/rubber/jute (JRJRJ) are considered in the present study. Process parameters varied in the present study are rotation speed and sand concentration, each at three levels. Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array is used to optimize the process and material parameters for minimizing the slurry erosive wear. It was found through statistical studies that the main factor affecting the weight loss is the sand concentration. The optimum material and process parameters are found which resulted in minimal loss of weight due to erosion by slurry. The proposed hybrid matrix flexible composite (HyMFC) with vulcanized rubber bonding gum is feasible for cladding applications since they provide resistance to erosion in the slurry medium. � 2020 Author(s).