An experimental investigation of surface roughness in the drilling of MWCNT doped carbon/epoxy polymeric composite material

The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) loading on the surface roughness of drilled hole, in the drilling of MWCNT doped carbon/epoxy polymeric composite material. Root mean square roughness (Rq) was used to assess the effect of MWCNT. Rq was measured at the both side i.e. entrance and exit of hole. Experiment was performed using Box- Behnken Design to develop an empirical model to predict the surface roughness value at the entrance and exit. The developed model was accurate within the level of confidence. Due to loading of MWCNT in polymer matrix, surface roughness of hole at entrance and exit are improved. (paper)