Evaluation of machining performance of pineapple filler based reinforced polymer composites using abrasive water jet machining process

In the present scenario, polymer composites are being used in various applications such as defence, building construction, aerospace, and packaging etc. due to their unique properties. Machining of polymer composites using conventional machining methods is extremely difficult and expensive. Therefore, non-conventional machining technologies have been explored. This paper presents the results of experimental investigation conducted on abrasive water jet machining of pineapple filler based reinforced polymer composites. A total of nine experiments have been conducted based on Taguchi's robust design of experiment technique considering four input parameters such as stand of distance, working pressure, nozzle speed, and abrasive grain size. Material removal rate and surface roughness parameters are considered as machinability indicators. The optimum machinability indicators obtained are material removal rate-71 g/s, and average surface roughness-0.13 µm. The current research identifies abrasive water jet machining process as a sustainable substitute of conventional processes for machining pineapple filler based reinforced polymer composites. (paper)