Comprehensive investigation of mechanical and thermal properties of vetiver grass and red mud reinforced hybrid composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study deals with the mechanical and thermal characterization of novel composite consisting of vetiver grass fiber (Chrysopogon zizanioides) (VF) and red mud (RM) as reinforcement in epoxy resin. Five types of composites were fabricated using hand lay-up technique by varying the weight percentage (wt%) of vetiver grass and red mud. Various mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength, and flexural strength of the said composites were evaluated and discussed. The thermal properties in terms of thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) were evaluated whereas the chemical composition characteristics were analyzed using FTIR and XRD spectroscopy. The fractured surfaces of the tested specimens were studied using a scanning electron microscope. From the results, it was observed that properties of polymer composites were improved by hybridization with vetiver grass fibers and red mud. The improved mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites were noticed in increment of wt% of red mud. Highest tensile strength of 51.78 MPa, flexural strength of 35.92 MPa and impact strength of 29 KJ/m2 was obtained for C5 composite which contains highest wt% of red mud. TGA shows better resistance to thermal degradation for the composites containing higher percentage of red mud. Looking at the results it can be concluded that the developed composites in this work can be an efficient alternative for building and automotive application which requires high strength and thermal stability.