Multi-response optimization of bamboo/PALF–TiC hybrid composites for enhanced mechanical and tribological performance

¹ Department of Robotics and Automation, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science, Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sona college of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
⁵ Department of Chemistry, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai, Tamil Nadu, India
⁶ Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Gandhi Institute of Excellent Technocrat, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

^* Corresponding author: saravanan.r@rajalakshmi.edu.in

Published online: 7 January 2026

Abstract

Researchers have developed alternative materials which incorporate diverse fillers and reinforcements in response to increasing requirement wear-resistant hybrid substances. Recent research had shown that hybrid composites made from a mix of natural fibers then ceramic fillers can improve tribological properties of materials used in automobiles and airplanes. A composite with improved tribological and mechanical characteristics at low cost can be achieved by combining natural fibers with ceramics using appropriate multi-response optimization approaches, despite the fact that natural fibers have certain drawbacks. This research delves into the wear behavior of a hybrid composite made of bamboo and PALF, filled with titanium carbide (TiC). Furthermore, this study employs a multi- response optimization method that integrates MOORA with the fuzzy model interference system. To find the lowest possible wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF), the Taguchi L27 orthogonal array (OA) was used in the experimental design. The investigation found that, the best working settings were 1 wt% TiC, 30 wt% reinforcement, 1.5 m/s sliding speed, 15 N load and 1500 m sliding distance with an Entropy - MOORA value of 0.804 and a MOORA fuzzy analysis (MFA) value of 0.801. The worn-out surface mechanisms, and tiny debris were all shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to play a substantial role at achieving appropriate wear properties. In addition, mechanical properties were investigated in both wet and dry environments to determine optimal combination of particle hybrid composite.