Investigations on mechanical properties and stacking sequence of Kevlar/banana fiber reinforced nano graphene oxide hybrid composites

Abstract

This paper focuses on the fabrication of a new hybrid polymer composite laminate (HPCL) using biodegradable materials to avoid dumping of waste and has all the desired characteristics as compared to the conventional matrix composites used in various applications such as aerospace, railways cabin, structures, sports equipment, medical field, etc. Utilizing the hand lay-up method and compression molding machine, six layers of Kevlar fiber, banana fiber, and an epoxy-based matrix reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated. By altering the stacking order of fibers in which the HPCL were stacked and embedding GO of various weight percentages (0 wt%, 0.25 wt%, 0.50 wt%, 0.75 wt%, and 1 wt%). As a result, it was seen that the best mechanical characteristics were found to be 42.23 MPa interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, 300.39 MPa tensile strength, and 85.68 hardness were obtained at set C-2 i.e. 0.5 wt% of GO embedded in KKBBKK stacking order. The 0.25 wt% of GO of HPCL of set C-1 yielded the impact strength with the greatest value of 771.6 J m−1. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray mapping and x-ray diffraction tests were also conducted for validating the homogeneity of the material. All the mechanical properties were enhanced by embedding GO and incorporating stacking order in HPCL. Therefore, HPCL can be used where lightweight material with proper mechanical strength and biodegradability is an important condition for sustainable development.