Machining and Machinability of Nanofiber Composites: Advanced and Hybrid Techniques

Stimulated by the demand for lightweight and technical products, the application of nanofiber composites has been expanding dramatically in vast areas such as the automobile industry, military, and construction sectors. Some attributes of nanofiber composites, aside from their large surface area, include low density, good design flexibility, and chemical and mechanical attributes, which have made them a feasible alternative to traditional materials. However, the practical application of nanofiber composites requires post-manufacturing operations to complete the assembly of the various components. As a result, machining is frequently required to enhance the assembly of the various segments in a product. Unlike machining metals, the machinability of nanofiber composites is quite challenging. Conventional machining techniques on nanofiber composites revealed challenges such as high levels of delamination, fiber pull-out, and defective surface, associated with high mechanical forces and poor tool life. This necessitates the use of advanced mechanical, thermal, electrical, and hybrid machining strategies in obtaining well-machined composites. In this chapter, a comprehensive discussion on machining and machinability of nanofiber composites, advantages, challenges, and future outlook is presented with a focus on advanced and hybrid machining techniques.