Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are renowned for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability, making them invaluable in industries like automotive and aerospace. However, their manufacturing poses challenges, particularly in drilling high-quality holes without compromising the material's integrity. Conventional drilling methods often result in fiber damage, reducing the component's strength and lifespan. To address these issues, microwave-assisted drilling has been explored in this study, focusing on sisal epoxy composites. By utilizing plasma generation near the drilling tool's tip through microwave interaction at 2.45 GHz and 720 W power, the research aims to mitigate the drawbacks associated with conventional drilling. A graphite tool is selected for its high melting point and ability to maintain its shape during the microwave drilling process, ensuring consistent performance. The study investigates the effects of a conical tip on drilling accuracy, assessing parameters such as heat-affected zone (HAZ), overcut, circularity of holes at entry and exit points, and hole taper. Characterization methods, including optical microscopy, are employed to analyze the drilled holes. The findings reveal that HAZ is more pronounced at the entrance compared to the exit, while the circularity of holes is higher at the exit. These insights contribute to optimizing the drilling process, enhancing hole quality, and ultimately improving the overall performance and reliability of FRPC components in various applications.

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Microwave Drilling of Sisal Epoxy Composite Plate Under Graphite Tool with Conical Tip

  • Mohit Kumar,
  • Shankar Sehgal,
  • Rampal,
  • Sunny Zafar

摘要

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are renowned for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and durability, making them invaluable in industries like automotive and aerospace. However, their manufacturing poses challenges, particularly in drilling high-quality holes without compromising the material's integrity. Conventional drilling methods often result in fiber damage, reducing the component's strength and lifespan. To address these issues, microwave-assisted drilling has been explored in this study, focusing on sisal epoxy composites. By utilizing plasma generation near the drilling tool's tip through microwave interaction at 2.45 GHz and 720 W power, the research aims to mitigate the drawbacks associated with conventional drilling. A graphite tool is selected for its high melting point and ability to maintain its shape during the microwave drilling process, ensuring consistent performance. The study investigates the effects of a conical tip on drilling accuracy, assessing parameters such as heat-affected zone (HAZ), overcut, circularity of holes at entry and exit points, and hole taper. Characterization methods, including optical microscopy, are employed to analyze the drilled holes. The findings reveal that HAZ is more pronounced at the entrance compared to the exit, while the circularity of holes is higher at the exit. These insights contribute to optimizing the drilling process, enhancing hole quality, and ultimately improving the overall performance and reliability of FRPC components in various applications.