Effect of nano fillers on glass/silk fibers based reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

The need for more eco-friendly and biodegradable materials has resulted in greater advancements in the field of nano-materials and their utilization in polymeric matrix materials as filler materials has been rising day by day in developing sustainable natural fiber reinforced polymeric composite laminates. The striking properties like high aspect ratio and larger surface area of nanocomposites have made them to be used in several engineering and commercial sectors such as biotechnology, packaging, aerospace and automotive, building and construction industries. The hybrid composites that exploit the harmony between natural fibers and synthetic fibers in nano filler based reinforced polymeric composites helps in bettering various mechanical properties as well as assists in sustaining environmental biodegradability to acceptable level. In the research investigation, glass/silk/Ca2SiO4 reinforced hybrid epoxy composites are manufactured via hand lay-up method using standard ASTM methods. The mechanical properties such as tensile, bending and impact strength are being evaluated. The hybrid composites of glass fiber (50 wt%), silk fiber (10, 9, 8 & 7 wt%), Ca2SiO4 nano filler (with 0, 1, 2 & 3 wt%) reinforced with epoxy (40 wt%) are scrutinized and results reveal that the composite laminates with 3 wt% Ca2SiO4 show better tensile, flexural and impact strength properties.