Evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of nano clay reinforced Kevlar/Sisal polyester composites

Abstract

AbstractDue to the material's balance of mechanical and ecological features, hybrid composites have become a hot topic among researchers. Hybridization is a helpful process for improving the strength and performance of composite materials. Hybrid composites were created in this study by reinforcing Kevlar(K)/Sisal(S) in Polyester using a hand lay‐up method with various wt% (2,4,6 wt%) of Nano clay (NC) reinforcements. Mechanical experiments were performed on hybrid composite laminates to establish their tensile and flexural properties, and SEM was used to characterize the fractured samples. The fabricated specimens were also subjected to erosion tests, conducted at ambient temperature with an elongated silica sand erodent striking at 148 m/s at impingement angles of 30, 60, and 90°. In comparison to 0–4 wt% NC reinforcement, the tensile strength increased by 18% for the polyester/KSSK composites. Flexural strength is highest at 2 wt%, while polyester/KSSK reinforced NC composites have a 28% improvement in flexural strength compared to 0–2 wt%. The erosion wear resistance of 2 wt% NC reinforced KSSK/polyester was excellent in the normal direction, with minor wear at a 90° impingement angle. This conclusion supports the suggested new laminates' suitability for engineering materials in the aviation and automobile industry.