Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of titanium oxide (TiO₂) filler on the abrasive wear properties of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites (BFRCs) using a Taguchi approach. The study aims to enhance the abrasive wear resistance of these composites by introducing TiO₂ filler as a potential reinforcement, thus contributing to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Design/methodology/approach: This study focuses on the fabrication of epoxy/bamboo composites infused with TiO₂ particles within the Wt.% range of 0–8 Wt.% using hand layup techniques. The resulting composites were subjected to wear testing according to ASTM G99-05 standards. Statistical analysis of the wear results was carried out using the Taguchi design of experiments (DOE). Additionally, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the influential control factors impacting the specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (COF). Findings: The study illuminates how integrating TiO₂ filler enhances abrasive wear in epoxy/bamboo composites. Statistical analysis of SWR highlights abrasive grit size (grit) as the most influential factor, followed by normal load, Wt.% of TiO₂ and sliding distance. Analysis of the COF identifies normal load as the primary influential factor, followed by grit, Wt.% of TiO₂ and sliding distance. The Taguchi predictive model closely aligns with experimental results, validating its reliability. The morphological study revealed significant differences between the unfilled and TiO₂-filled composites. The inclusion of TiO₂ improved wear resistance, as evidenced by reduced surface damage and wear debris. Originality/value: This research paper aims to integrate TiO₂ filler and bamboo fibers to create an innovative hybrid composite material. TiO₂ micro and nanoparticles show promise as filler materials, contributing to improved tribological properties of epoxy composites. The utilization of Taguchi’s DOE and ANOVA for statistical analysis provides valuable guidance for academic researchers and practitioners in optimizing control variables, especially in the context of natural fiber reinforced composites.

Purpose: This paper aims to report the effect of titanium oxide (TiO₂) particles on the physical, mechanical, tribological and water resistance properties of 5% NaOH-treated bamboo fiber–reinforced composites. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, the epoxy/bamboo/TiO₂ hybrid composite filled with 0–8 Wt.% TiO₂ particles has been fabricated using simple hand layup techniques, and testing of the developed composite was done in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard. Findings: The results of this study indicate that the addition of TiO₂ particles improved the mechanical properties of the developed epoxy/bamboo composites. Tensile properties were found to be maximum for 6 Wt.%, and impact strength was found to be maximum for 8 Wt.% TiO₂ particles-filled composite. The highest flexural properties were found at a lower TiO₂ fraction of 2 Wt.%. Adding TiO₂ filler helped to reduce the water absorption rate. The studies related to the wear and friction behavior of the composite under dry and abrasive wear conditions reveal that TiO₂ filler was beneficial in improving the wear performance of the composite. Originality/value: This research paper attempts to include both TiO₂ filler and bamboo fibers to develop a novel composite material. TiO₂ micro and nanoparticles are promising filler materials; it helps to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of the epoxy composites and in literature, there is not much work reported, where TiO₂ is used as a filler material with bamboo fiber–reinforced epoxy composites.

The research aims to produce, model, and optimise the mechanical properties of novel composite material through a structured multidisciplinary approach. The primary objective is to combine materials science, mechanical engineering, and statistical concepts to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) from the industrial perspective. More specifically, the article is intended to determine the optimal mixture components and predictive model of Al-Si alloy with Al₂O₃ by accommodating multi-responses that enable DFM. The study adopted ASTM standards to prepare and test the novel composite material. Additionally, the Mixture Design of Experiment (DOE) approach was used to design the experimentation and subsequent analysis. In addition, microstructural images, Cox Response Trace plot, and Response Optimiser plot are effectively utilised to draw robust inferences. For multi-response modelling and optimisation, the composite material’s mechanical properties, like impact strength, hardness, density, and tensile strength, are considered. The study determines that innovative composite material will yield better results when Al-Alloy is 94.65 wt% and Al₂O₃ is 5.35 wt% from a multi-responses perspective. Further, it provides predictive models with a high level of predictability. Besides, the research shows that novel composite material has better mechanical properties from a practical perspective. The article not only provides the mechanical properties of a new class of material but also shows the effective utilisation of material science and statistical concepts to develop the novel material in a structured manner. This composite material can be used as a replacement for various parts of automobiles and aircraft. Additionally, researchers can use the article’s modelling and optimisation approach as a paradigm to create durable composite materials.

The research presents a novel approach to develop high-strength functionally graded composite materials (FGCMs) by using recycled coconut shell ash (CSA) particles as reinforcement for a hypereutectic Al-Si alloy matrix. Using a centrifugal casting technique, test specimens are prepared for the study under ASTM standards. The optimal combination of materials to maximise the materials’ overall tensile strength is obtained through the mixture methodology approach. The results show that CSA particles in the matrix material increase the tensile strength of the produced material. Process parameters, melting temperature and rotating speed were found to play a pivotal role in determining the tensile strength. A better tensile strength of the material is obtained when Al-Si = 90.5 wt%, CSA = 9.5 wt%, rotating speed = 800 RPM, and melting temperature = 800 °C; the proposed regression model developed has substantial predictability for tensile strength. This work presents a methodology for enhancing the tensile strength of FGCMs by optimising both the material composition and processing parameters. The achieved tensile strength of 197.4 MPa, at 800 RPM and 800 °C, for a concentration of 7.5 wt% CSA particles, makes these FGCMs suitable for use in multiple engineering sectors.