Effect of MWCNT addition on drilling quality of GFRPs subjected to cyclic thermal fatigue

Application of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) has been appreciably increasing in recent decades because of admirable properties. GFRP used in aerospace industry are commonly exposed to temperature variation. Machinability of GFRPs in this condition needs more considering. Delamination is one of the major damages while drilling of GFRP. In this paper, delamination of GFRP subjected to cyclicthermal fatigue in drilling process is examined. To reach the goal, appropriate system was established and using a HSS tool, the experiments carried out. Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) addition and drilling parameters on delamination in cyclic thermal fatigue subjected GFRP investigated. Additionally, statistical analysis was performed. The results showed that the delamination quality can be optimized by increase of the cutting velocity. It was also established that addition of nanoparticles enhances the delamination state. Moreover, morphology examination carried out and showed that multi-walled carbon nanotube additionreduces delamination width in drilling of GFRP subjected to cyclic thermal fatigue.

Keywords:

Drilling , Delamination , Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) , Thermal fatigue , Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).