Thermal and surface analysis of copper–CNT and copper–graphene-based composite using Taguchi–Grey relational analysis

ABSTRACT

In this research study, carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene-reinforced copper composites were fabricated by stir casting process. CNT and graphene were individually infused into copper by 3 and 2 g, respectively. The addition of these nanomaterials enhanced the hardness value of the samples by more than 40% when compared with that of pure copper. Taguchi design of experiments was envisaged to identify the most effective use of the process parameters using a L9 orthogonal array table. Grey relational analysis was used to find the multi-objective optimised range of values for input parameters to minimise surface roughness and contact surface temperature. Furthermore, the depth of cut was found out to be the most influencing factor in the machining process. Regression analysis was used to correlate the relationship among performance variables and compare with pure copper and CNT-based copper composite. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images portrayed a lot of crystal grains in its formed microstructure. It indicates that the forces of cohesion between molecules are weak and the carbon nanomaterial will have less hardness than pure copper.

KEYWORDS:

• CNT
• Graphene
• surface roughness
• thermal analysis
• Grey relational analysis
• Taguchi analysis
• Regression analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Prabhu

S. Prabhu received a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Bharathiar University, India, ME in Production Engineering from Madurai Kamaraj University and Ph.D  in the area of  nanomachining at SRM University, Chennai (India) in the year 2013. He had an industrial experience of 4 years as production engineer and 18 years of teaching and research experience. Currently, he is a professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India. He has won the best teacher award and the best project award. He is the author of 67 international journal papers, 20 international conferences and 27 national conference papers. His research interest includes nanotechnology, nanofluids, nanomachining, nanocomposites, precision engineering and robotics.

R. Ambigai

R. Ambigai received BE in Mechanical Engineering from Govt. College of Engineering, Salem, India, ME in Manufacturing systems from Anna University India at the year 2008. She has 3 years of industrial experience and 10 years of teaching experience. Currently, she is an assistant professor (Sr.G), Department of Mechanical Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India. Her research interest includes nanotechnology, nanocomposites, FGM, Tribology and precision cutting tools.

B.K. Vinayagam

B.K. Vinayagam did five-year integrated graduate programme in Machine Tool Design and Production inVoroshilovgrad Machine Building Institute, Russia, and Ph.D  programme in Flexible Manufacturing Systems in Voronez Polytechnic Institute, Russia. His professional career started in Research and Development Laboratory related to Heavy Vehicles under Ministry of Defence and then 14 years in the Tata Iron and Steel Company holding  various positions. Currently, he is working as a professor in Mechatronics Department of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India. He is intensively involved in different consultancy and developmental projects. He has published 60 research papers in international journals and 5 in national journals.