A comparative study on the influence of MWCNT, GO, and Al(OH)3 gel matrix modification on hierarchical structured composite reinforced with needle-punched jute fiber and glass fiber

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to identify the influence of different filler materials on the properties of hybrid composites. The hybrid composites were fabricated using randomly oriented glass fiber mats, needle-punched jute fiber mats, and epoxy resin as the matrix material. Three different kinds of filler materials were studied: Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), Graphene Oxide (GO), and Aluminum Hydroxide (AlOH) nanoparticles. The secondary reinforcements were dispersed in the epoxy matrix through ultrasonication. The composites were made by conventional hand lay-up followed by applying high pressure and temperature under a hydraulic press to effectively cure and minimize voids within the final composite. These were compared with the properties of the unmodified composite containing no filler. The influence on mechanical properties was evaluated through tensile, flexural, and impact tests. Failure modes of the fractured tensile specimen were observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was done to observe the changes in the chemical structure upon the addition of secondary reinforcements. Lastly, water absorption behavior and flame retardancy were observed as well. The results showed that MWCNT resulted in the composite exhibiting superior properties and GO, on the contrary, led to the deterioration of the properties. This could be because an optimum concentration of MWCNT was used, whereas this was not the case for GO filler. The addition of MWCNT resulted in a more substantial but brittle composite, while AlOH enhanced the ductility of the composite by compromising the overall strength. Hence, it can be concluded that MWCNT resulted in the formation of composites with the most desired properties.