Epoxy-poly lactic acid blended composites reinforced with carbon fibres for engineering applications

Abstract

When it comes to sustainability, bio-derived materials are one of the most promising sources of polymers. They are easily accessible, affordable, and may result in a decrease in carbon emissions. The use of bio-based polymer composites lowers the dependence on petroleum-based polymers, leading to environmental degradation issues. Because of this epoxy-based composites are synthesized by combining the same with a biopolymer of Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) in varied proportions from 20 to 50 wt.% of the holding matrix. Exhaustive tests are conducted to optimize PLA percentage in the epoxy matrix. Accordingly, composites are prepared with 80% epoxy resin and 20% PLA in terms of enhanced mechanical properties. Further, these composites are strengthened by reinforcing them with CFs in varied proportions. This research emphasizes the synthesis of composite with a matrix of 80% epoxy resin and 20% PLA reinforced with CFs at 0.2 and 0.3 wt.% of the holding matrix to test their potential as a feasible composite material for engineering applications. To understand the bonding nature, thermal, and microstructural behavior of the composite material, characteristic studies such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) images are used. Experimental results on the mechanical properties of the composites showed an increase in flexural strength by 7.62% and 3.56% for 0.2 and 0.3 wt.% of CFs reinforcements in the polymer matrix compared to pristine coupons. Simulation studies are done with ANSYS Workbench to validate the same with experimental readings and are found to be in close agreement with an error of 10–15%.