Experimental studies on interlaminar shear strength and dynamic mechanical analysis of luffa fiber epoxy composites with nano PbO addition

Abstract

In the present study, the significance of nanofiller lead oxide (PbO) on the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) performance of luffa fiber–reinforced epoxy composites was investigated. The epoxy matrix was altered with nanofiller PbO of different weight percent through a mechanical stirring process. The PbO-added luffa fiber epoxy composites were made through hand layup preceded by the compression molding method. The prepared composite samples were investigated for ILSS and DMA. The test results lead to the inference that the 1.25 wt% PbO nanofiller–added composite samples attained 25%, 17%, and 55% of higher loss modulus, storage modulus, and ILSS, respectively, as compared with the other prepared samples. The morphological investigation was conducted on the fractured surface of the interlaminar tested samples. The micrographic images show the bonding nature of the luffa fiber with the epoxy matrix, fiber breakage, and fiber pullouts. The characterization studies such as FTIR, XRD, and EDX were conducted on the fabricated composite samples. The XRD studies show that the rise in weight percent of the nanofiller PbO enhances the crystallinity of the composite samples. Moreover, the composite sample prepared with 1.25 wt% nanofiller PbO can be used to prepare low-cost roofing materials for sustainable housing projects.