Simultaneous optimisation of quality and productivity characteristics during machining of multiwall carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposites

This article highlights the optimisation of drilling parameters using a combined approach of multiobjective optimisation on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). During drilling, the prime objective is to achieve the minimum surface roughness, torque, thrust force, delamination at entry and exit. The MWCNT wt.%, spindle speed, feed rate, and tool material are taken as process parameters. The drilling was performed according to the Taguchi L(27)orthogonal array (OA). During the aggregation of conflicting responses, priority weight assessment was done by the PCA method. The outcomes of the validation test show a satisfactory agreement with actual ones that confirms the feasibility of the proposed module. The MOORA-PCA gives higher assessment values than the traditional MOORA method with uniform response weight. It has been noticed that the MWCNT wt. % plays a vital role in machining performances. The higher speed and low feed rate provide the desired improvements in the objective function. Further, SEM analysis was performed to evaluate the quality of machined samples.