Comparative analysis of cutting effect on mechanical properties and microstructural behavior of glass epoxy composites

Experimental studies were carried out, on the effect of cutting methods on mechanical properties of Glass Epoxy composites. E-glass-epoxy laminated composites were prepared by vacuum bag method. Circular saw, Band saw and Hack saw cutting methods were selected to cut the laminated composites of three fibre weight fractions, namely of 0.35,0.55, and 0.65. The above mentioned cutting methods were used to cut Tensile, Compression and Interlaminar Shear strength test specimens as per standard. Tests were conducted using Universal Testing machine and the results were used as base of index to assign grade points to these cutting methods. It was confirmed that, Circular saw method is better than band saw and Hack saw cutting methods. The mechanical results have been substantiated by the Microscopic studies.