Abstract
In this study an attempt was made to explore the possibility of substituting 3D E-glass fabric with eco-friendly basalt fabric along with the modification of resin using MWCNTs, a material system about which very limited information exists. The study involved comparing the mechanical properties of two sets of composites. The first set was comprised of 3D orthogonally woven E-glass-reinforced epoxy composites, basalt-reinforced epoxy composites, and hybrid 3D E-glass orthogonally woven/basalt-reinforced epoxy composites while the second set of composites was the same as the first but prepared with resin modified with Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). All the composites were fabricated by hand lay-up and compression molding techniques. To modify the resin for the second set of composites, MWCNTs were dispersed into the epoxy resin with acetone as a surfactant by magnetic stirring and ultra-sonification. Mechanical tests included tensile, flexural, and low velocity impact strength which were evaluated as per standards. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to study the fractured surfaces. Results showed that resin modification did not yield any positive results on the mechanical properties of the composites. The highest tensile (364.4 MPa) and flexural strength (345.3 MPa) was obtained for 3D E-glass composites followed by basalt composites and hybrid 3D E-glass/basalt composites while the highest impact strength of 198.42 kJ/m2 was exhibited by the hybrid 3D E-glass/basalt composites. SEM micrographs showed de-bonding between the modified matrix and fiber which was seen as one of the primary causes for relatively poor performance of the composites prepared with modified resin. Fiber breakage, matrix cracking, fiber pull-out, and delamination were the other modes of failure. Results suggest that hybridization with basalt fibers is a much safer, more cost effective, and eco-friendly option over resin modification.
Highlights
With the growing concerns of environmental issues and the depletion of limited resources due to the overuse of synthetic and environmentally harmful materials has led to the recent advancement in biodegradable materials (Girijappa et al, 2019; Neuba et al, 2020)
The results reported were in support of CNT-filled glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites which reported a heavy increase in impact strength when 1% (w/w) CNT was filled in the epoxy resin
It can be observed that the tensile strength values of the HGB and EBC are very close, i.e., 348.3 MPa and 346.3 MPa, respectively, and are closer to the tensile strength of the EGC (364.4 MPa) than pure 3D E-glass composites since, the glass fabric had been replaced by layers of basalt fabric
Summary
With the growing concerns of environmental issues and the depletion of limited resources due to the overuse of synthetic and environmentally harmful materials has led to the recent advancement in biodegradable materials (Girijappa et al, 2019; Neuba et al, 2020) In foresight of such perilous times, the government has taken initiatives to preserve the balance of nature by implementing policies to make the best use of natural and renewable resources (Bajwa and Bhattacharjee, 2016; Papageorgiou, 2018). Researchers have been actively working toward the production of green composites by experimenting with resins and fibers obtained from nature, and by making use of naturally derived materials (Väisänen et al, 2017; Peças et al, 2018; Souza et al, 2020; Vinod et al, 2020; Yorseng et al, 2020) They have attempted to replace the conventional materials used for the matrix and reinforcement. This has been achieved by combining natural fibers and synthetic fibers in synthetic matrices (Asim et al, 2019; Mochane et al, 2019; Ricciardi et al, 2019)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
