Modeling of Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Natural Fiber (Rice Husk Ceramic) Epoxy Composite Using Response Surface Methodology.

In this study Response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to obtain an empirical model of wear loss as a function of fiber concentration, applied load and sliding velocity for abrasive wear of RH (Rice Husk) ceramic Reinforced Epoxy Composites. The experiments have been conducted using full factorial design in the design of experiments (DOE) on pin-on-disc type wear testing machine, against 400 grit size abrasive paper. A second order polynomial model has been developed for the prediction of wear loss. The adequacy of the developed model is verified by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence level and residual analysis. To judge the efficiency and ability of the model, comparison of predicted and experimental response values outside the design conditions was carried out. The result shows, good correspondence, implying that empirical models derived from response surface approach can be used to describe the tribological behavior of the above composite. Five sets of experimental date are taken which is not used in test conditions that give the modeling and average percentage deviation calculated as 7.438%.