LAUSR

ABSTRACT The current work presents a detailed exploration on real-time wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) experiments and grey relational analysis (GRA)–based multi-criteria optimization of material and machining characteristics for lowered surface roughness (Ra) and improvised material removal rate (MRR) of the newly developed magnesium/boron nitride/cathode ray tube (Mg/BN/CRT) hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs). The composites were fabricated through powder metallurgy (PM) route by reinforcing silica-rich E-waste CRT panel glass powder crushed for different particle sizes (10, 30, and 50 µm) at various weight percentages (5%, 10%, and 15%) and with 2% boron nitride (BN). Taguchi-based orthogonal array procedure was utilized to formulate the experimental plan for WEDM considering reinforcement level and size, pulse on time (Pon), pulse off time (Poff), and wire feed (Wf) as the input process parameters. ANOVA results reveal that Pon and wt% of reinforcement has more effect on Ra and MRR than any other considered parameters. The developed mathematical model for Ra and MRR predicted values similar to that of experimental results. Multi-criteria optimization was done through GRA technique and the so recommended optimum parameter set furnishes higher MRR (22.34 mm3/min) and reduced Ra (2.87 µm).