Effect Of Additives On Cutting Temperature Of Glass Fibers Reinforced Polymers

Composites are abrasive materials that generate heat during machining operations. This heat generates thermal damage locally and may severely alter the mechanical properties of the components if it exceeds the glass transition temperature of the matrix. This research studies the influence of additives, mixed to the epoxy matrix of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), on the cutting temperature. The results show that wax together with clay and a wetting agent, contribute to reduce the maximum cutting temperature, on a 300mm length of cut, a value up to 28% as compared to a plain epoxy matrix.