Compression Moulding Method Research Articles

Production of polyethylene composites reinforced with sisal and jute fibres through compression molding

Jute and flax are two of the most appealing fibres for reinforcing polymeric matrices. In response to worldwide environmental needs, the use of these fibres is growing, particularly when combined with thermoforming polymers, to broaden their applications to substitute synthetic fibres and thermosetting plastics. Vegetable fibres low adherence to polymeric matrices is one of their most important drawbacks, which is generally solved by chemical treatments on the fibres or the use of coupling agents inside the matrix. Utilizing woven textiles with a large mesh spacing to enable mechanical anchoring between fibres and matrix, this work studies the manufacture of polyethene (PE) biocomposite laminates reinforced by jute and sisal fibres without extra process steps using the compression moulding method. Two distinct forming procedures were utilised to study how the yarn impregnation was impacted by them. The time it took to reach maximum compression pressure and the time it took to stay at that pressure were different. To enlarge the applications of the composites under consideration, heat deflection temperature, tensile, bending, and Izod tests were completed.

Erosion characteristics of epoxy-based Jute, Kenaf and Banana fibre reinforced hybrid composites

In this research work erosion characteristics of bio-based fibres such as jute, kenaf, banana fibre reinforced epoxy hybrid composites were experimentally investigated. Hybrid composites with different stacking sequences of fibres were fabricated by compression moulding method. Erosion wear behavior of hybrid composites were studied using air jet erosion tester as per the ASTM G76 standards. The effect of impingement angle, and exposure duration on the erosion rate of the hybrid composites were analyzed. The results indicated that the erosion rate of hybrid composites increased with the increase in exposure times. Further, maximum erosion rate was observed at 60° of impingement angle for majority of the composite specimens. This proves hybrid composites are semi ductile materials in nature.

Effect of fiber orientation on tribological behaviour of Typha angustifolia natural fiber reinforced composites

Natural fiber reinforced composites are replacing the synthetic fibers rapidly during the recent days owing to their numerous advantages. Current work focusses on evaluating the hardness and tribological behaviour of Typha angustifolia fiber reinforced (TAFR) epoxy composites. Composites were fabricated with three different volume fraction of fibers such as 10%, 15% and 20% using compression moulding method. Fiber orientations were kept as unidirectional (UD) and bidirectional (BD) and composites were manufactured separately with the aforesaid fiber content. Hardness of the composites were evaluated using Shore-D hardness tester and the wear and coefficient of friction of the composites were assessed using pin-on-disc tester as per ASTM standards. Tribological behaviour of TAFR composites was measured under different loads such as 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 N for which the specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (CoF) were evaluated. Effect of fiber orientation on tribological behaviour of the TAFR composites were assessed. From the hardness test results, it could be seen that BD composites exhibited higher hardness when compared with UD composites and 20% composites outperformed its counterparts. Similarly, SWR decreased and CoF increased with increase in load on the TAFR composites while the rate of increase was relatively lesser for 20% TAFR composites. It could be seen from the experiments that 20% composites exhibited better behaviour comparatively.

Creep and heat deflection temperature (HDT) study of Pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) and Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay reinforced Poly-lactic acid (PLA) based laminated hybrid biocomposite

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the influence of Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay reinforcement on creep and heat deflection temperature (HDT) characteristics of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)/poly-lactic acid (PLA) /MMT hybrid biocomposite. PLA/MMT films of 1 mm thickness were prepared using melt mixing and compounding by varying the MMT inclusion from 0,1,2 and 3 wt%. PLA/MMT films were arranged alternately with basket woven PALF. The film stacking method was used for the fabrication of laminated hybrid biocomposite. Temperature controlled compression moulding method was used for biocomposite fabrication. Impression creep test was used to study the creep behaviour and heat deflection temperature (HDT) as per ASTM D648 of the laminated hybrid biocomposite samples was carried out to evaluate the thermo-mechanical behaviour. Impression depth in millimetre was measured as a function of time and presented as creep plots. Short primary, prolonged secondary creep curves, and absence of tertiary stage of creep were observed. MMT inclusion of 2 wt% exhibited minimum impression depth and highest HDT results as compared to that of the rest of the samples. The SEM images reveals that at 2 wt% MMT nanoclay was evenly distributed and hence improved the fibre matrix-nano particle adhesion

Production of Sugar Beet Pulp/LDPE Composites Using Compression Molding Method and Investigation of Some Properties

Aim of study: In this study, the effect of lignocellulosic filler and coupling agent amount on the physical and mechanical properties of produced sugar beet pulp/LDPE composites were researched.
 Material and methods: Wood-plastic composites were produced using compression molding method. The effect of lignocellulosic filler and coupling agent (maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene) amount on the physical (density and water uptake analyses) and mechanical (tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength) properties of composites were investigated.
 Main results: According to the obtained results, the rise in the amount of SBP were increased the density, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus while decreasing tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength of the resulting composites. Generally, the increase of coupling agent (MAPE) amount improved the composites properties except for impact strength and elongation at break.
 Highlights: Sugar beet pulp (SBP) can be successfully used as an alternative lignocellulosic filler in the wood plastic composite production.

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Pineapple Leaf and Sun Hemp Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Natural Composite Fabricated by Compression Moulding Method

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Pineapple Leaf and Sun Hemp Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Natural Composite Fabricated by Compression Moulding Method

Mechanical and physical performance of date palm/bamboo fibre reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Date palm fibre is considered as an agricultural waste suitable as reinforcement for polymeric composites has received interest as an interior component in the automotive industry. The aim of this work to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of date palm fibre (leaf stalk, tree trunk, fruit stalk and leaf sheath) reinforced epoxy composites and date palm/bamboo hybrid composites suitable for non-structural and semi-structural applications. The different composites were fabricated using a hand lay-up technique in combination with compression moulding method. Date palm fibre/bamboo hybrid composite, and pure composites were characterized by various mechanical testing such as tensile, flexural and low-velocity impact testing. Exposure to liquid water and environmental conditions affect the durability of biobased composites. The water absorption behaviour and its effects on the thickness swelling, changes in density and physical performance of different composites were further investigated. The experimental results of the date palm fibre/bamboo hybrid composite exhibited the highest mechanical properties compared to date palm fibre composite without hybridisation. The tensile strength, flexural strength and impact toughness values for the date palm/bamboo hybrid composite were recorded at 39.16 MPa, 61.10 MPa and 12.70 J/m, respectively. Interestingly, the physical test of thickness swelling and water absorption results has indicated that date palm fibre/bamboo hybrid composite displayed 27.68% and 15.39% less when compared with single date palm fibre composite. Therefore, the results have discovered that the date palm fibre/bamboo hybrid composite has the prospective to be applied as a non-structural and semi-structural components.

Effect of silane coupling agent on the mechanical steel of sugarcane baggase and polypropylene composites

A composite material is produced by combining two or more materials to give a specific combination of properties, one consisting of rigid, long fibres and the other a binder or ‘matrix’ holding the fibres in place. Compared to the matrix, the fibres are strong and stiff, typically orthotropic. More recently, natural fibres were used in plastics. The broad availability of natural fibre in India, such as Jute, Coir, Sisal, Pineapple, Ramie, Bamboo, Banana, etc., pays specific attention to the manufacture of natural fibre composites to pursue value-added applications. This natural fibre composites are well suited to substitute wood in homes and manufacturing. Natural fibre reinforcement in composites has recently drawn ads due to low cost, low density, fair basic features, fast separation, improved energy recovery, CO2 neutrality, biodegradability and recyclability. Thousands of tonnes of different crops are made, but most of their waste is useless. It contains wheat husk, rice husk and grass, hemp fibre and dried fruit shells. These agricultural waste may be used for fibre-reinforced polymer composites for commercial usage. This project explores the impact of the silane binding agent on the mechanical properties of the sugar cane baggase and polypropylene compounds. Coupling agent is the agent used to strengthen the connection between the reinforcement and the matrix. In this plant, silane was used as a binding agent for sugar cane bagasse bio-composites. Reinforcement content treated with a binding agent at varying concentrations of 0 per cent, 10 per cent, and 20 per cent. This element was present in the compression moulding method for the manufacture of composite boards. The influence of the silane binding agent on the mechanical properties of the composites, such as the tensile, flexural and impact forces, was evaluated.

Functional Properties and Molecular Degradation of Schizostachyum Brachycladum Bamboo Cellulose Nanofibre in PLA-Chitosan Bionanocomposites.

The degradation and mechanical properties of potential polymeric materials used for green manufacturing are significant determinants. In this study, cellulose nanofibre was prepared from Schizostachyum brachycladum bamboo and used as reinforcement in the PLA/chitosan matrix using melt extrusion and compression moulding method. The cellulose nanofibre(CNF) was isolated using supercritical carbon dioxide and high-pressure homogenisation. The isolated CNF was characterised with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FT-IR, zeta potential and particle size analysis. The mechanical, physical, and degradation properties of the resulting biocomposite were studied with moisture content, density, thickness swelling, tensile, flexural, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and biodegradability analysis. The TEM, FT-IR, and particle size results showed successful isolation of cellulose nanofibre using this method. The result showed that the physical, mechanical, and degradation properties of PLA/chitosan/CNF biocomposite were significantly enhanced with cellulose nanofibre. The density, thickness swelling, and moisture content increased with the addition of CNF. Also, tensile strength and modulus; flexural strength and modulus increased; while the elongation reduced. The carbon residue from the thermal degradation and the glass transition temperature of the PLA/chitosan/CNF biocomposite was observed to increase with the addition of CNF. The result showed that the biocomposite has potential for green and sustainable industrial application.

Mechanical Property Studies on Flax Fiber Reinforced Basalt Powder Filled Polyester Composite

Background: The objective of this research is to evaluate the tensile, impact and flexural properties of flax fiber and basalt powder filled polyester composite. Flax fiber is one of the predominant reinforcement natural fiber which possess good mechanical properties and addition of basalt powder as a filler provides additional support to the composite. Methods: The Composites are prepared using flax fiber arranged in 10 layers with varying weight percentage of the basalt powder as 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 25 wt.% and 30 wt.% respectively. Results: From the results it is inferred that the composite combination 10 Layers of flax / 5 wt.%, basalt Powder absorbs more tensile load of 145 MPa. Also, for the same combination maximum flexural strength is about 60 MPa. Interestingly in the case of impact strength more energy was absorbed by 10 layers of flax and 30 wt.% of basalt powder. In addition, the failure mechanism of the composites also discussed briefly using SEM studies. Conclusion: Flax fiber reinforced basalt powder filled polyester composites are successfully fabricated by compression moulding method. Tensile, Flexural and Impact strength gets increased by varying the flax fiber weight percentage.

Two-dimensional clay nanosheet-reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene composites and their mechanical/tribological studies

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer is used extensively in industry as a solid lubricant because of its lack of reactivity with most industrial materials. However, PTFE has a low abrasive resistance, limiting its application. In this study, the mechanical and tribological characteristics of PTFE-based composites with the addition of clay nano-sheets (CNSs) were investigated. Clay nano-sheet-PTFE composites (CNSTCs) containing 1, 3, and 5 wt. % of CNSs were prepared by employing a compression moulding method. To investigate the tribological characteristics and wear mechanism of CNSTCs, a pin-on-ring test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy (OM) were employed. The results indicate that adding CNSs decreased the friction coefficient substantially. Additionally, the wear rates decreased from 1.09 × 10−3 mm3/(Nm) in the pure PTFE sample to 0.32 × 10-5 mm3/(Nm) for the 5 wt. % CNSs filled composite. This shows that the wear rate of the PTFE-based composite is reduced by up to 340 times with the addition of 5 wt. % CNSs. SEM and OM observations revealed that CNSs could inhibit the growth of microcracks in CNSTCs and change the wear mechanism from adhesive to abrasive. Furthermore, adding CNSs resulted in a more uniform and thinner transition film formation, with reduced secondary wear and friction. The effects of the size, percentage, and type of embedded fillers were compared with previous studies. The analysis revealed that in addition to competitive cost and high availability, CNSs have superior characteristics and can be employed to enhance the tribological properties of PTFE nanocomposites.

Indian mallow fiber reinforced polyester composites: mechanical and thermal properties

The natural fiber reinforced polymeric composites have found to be an excellent substitute for synthetic fiber based polymeric composites and are being widely utilized in several advanced engineering applications. The present experimental work deals with randomly oriented Indian mallow fiber/polyester (IMFP) composites which are fabricated by compression moulding method by varying the fiber wt. % from 10 to 50%. The prepared IMFP specimens were evaluated through various mechanical and thermal properties and the results showed that better properties were obtained in specimens with 50 wt. % fiber content. The optimum tensile strength and modulus was about 46 MPa and 3.56 GPa respectively, while the elongation at break was 1.39%. The optimum flexural and impact strength are estimated to be around 111 MPa and 14 kJ/m2 respectively. The heat deflection test (HDT) displayed that temperature withstands up to 84 °C at 50 wt. % of fiber content. The surface morphologies of the fractured composite specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The overall results confirmed the suitability of the present specimens to be employed in various light weight applications.

Studies on mechanical properties and characterization of carbon fiber reinforced hybrid composite for aero space application

In this work we experimented the effect of rubber particles on the mechanical properties for the polymer composite material. A commercially available rubber particles was introduced into a carbon fiber and epoxy composite with the primary aim of enhancing the composites fracture toughness. The properties of the CFRP composite are mainly enhanced by varying the fiber volume fraction, orientation and so on. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite specimens used in this study were manufactured by compression moulding method. After trying the natural and carbon fiber + bio-degradable polymer combo, the carbon fiber + bio-degradable polymer formulation was investigated to examine the relationship between carbon fiber weight and tensile and flexural strength.

Retracted] Improving the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Composites of Hemp Fiber with Ramie and Banana Fiber through Compression Molding Method

Natural fiber composite is the most preferable research area in the modern situation due to its availability, applications, and ecofriendly quality. This paper deals with the influence of hemp fiber with the various compositions of the ramie fiber and some basic mechanical properties of banana fiber composites. The hemp fiber is maintained as 20 percentage of total volume. Then, the remaining volume percentage is shared with the ramie fiber and banana fiber with various combinations. Eleven specimens were prepared to identify the some basic mechanical properties. The chemical compositions were mentioned as a pie chart, and then experimental results were plotted as graphical representations like line diagram and radar diagram for clear identification that the composite with higher ramie fiber concentration provided the greater results in the mechanical behaviors. The suitable composite combinations were recommended based on their superior properties as conclusions.

Tensile and flexural properties of biodegradable jute fiber reinforced poly lactic acid composites

Abstract Several countries applied stringent regulations with respect to use of non-biodegradable products. Presently almost all fiber composite materials used in building and automobile industry are made from synthetic fibers and matrices. Disposable of these materials in landfill increases the burden on environment. In the present work, an attempt has been to develop biodegradable composite material and thus reduce the environmental concerns. Jute fiber is used as reinforcement and biodegradable poly lactic acid (PLA) as matrix in the preparation of biodegradable composites. Compression moulding method was adopted in the preparation of jutefiber reinforced PLA biodegradable composites. The Jute fiber reinforced PLA composites at four levels of loading (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) were utilized to conduct tensile test, and flexural test. The Tensile strength and flexural strength of PLA composite with jute fiber at 15% fiber loading was about 25% and 116% higher than the plain PLA respectively. The tensile modulus and flexural modulus of the jute/PLA composite at 15% fiber loading was 1.55 and 1.87 times that of plain PLA respectively. There is a significant change in the tensile and flexural properties of PLA when reinforced with jute fibers. Further, tensile and flexural failure modes of tested samples have been discussed.

Analysis of the mechanical and wear properties of Calotropis Gigantea Stem Fiber/Flax Fiber as reinforcement epoxy hybrid composites

• In this present experimental work, Calotropies Gigantea Stem fibre (CGS), Flax Fiber (F) and Glass Fiber (G) is used as reinforcing material and reinforced natural fiber composite was fabricated by compression molding method. • ASTM standards were followed in the preparation as well as testing of the composite material. • The changes of wear and friction performance of the CGS/F fiber composite weight have been investigated. The sudden weight losses appear when increasing the Load. • CGS and F fiber composite wear and frictional force was more when we increasing the Load with constant speed and time. In the present exploratory work, Calotropis Gigantea Stem (CGS) fiber-Flax Reinforced Natural Fiber Composites were fabricated by Compression Molding Method. The CGS composites were developed by using epoxy resin LY556 as the matrix material and the hardener-HY951 the organic fiber as the Support material. Then, the developed CGS composites were tested to evaluate the mechanical properties such as Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, and Impact Strength. Additionally, a Pin-on-Disc Wear tester was used for evaluating the wear properties of CGS composite materials. It was found that normal load played an important role in wear as well as friction. In the current investigation, at 30 N load, wear testing pairs exhibit the highest wear loss and high friction.

Synergistic effect of carbon nanotubes and nano-hydroxyapatite on mechanical properties of polyetheretherketone based hybrid nanocomposites

Hybrid nanocomposites utilize the benefits of properties of different fillers to enhance its desired properties. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) based hybrid nanocomposites have immense potential applications in aerospace, automobile, high-temperature electrical applications, and medical and health care. The present work is an attempt to improve the elastic modulus, hardness, fracture resistance, and storage modulus simultaneously by reinforcing the PEEK matrix with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filler and 30 wt.% nano hydroxyapatite (nHA)-MWCNT hybrid filler. The nanocomposites having 0,1,3,5 and 7 wt.% of MWCNTs were fabricated by the Ball Mixing and Compression Molding Method. Customized Die Heater setup was used to ensure uniform heating and cooling during compression molding. The morphology was examined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and uniform distribution of nano-fillers was observed. The nanoindentation method was adopted to investigate the Static Mechanical Analysis (SMA) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) at varying frequencies of loading, of nanocomposites. At 5 wt.% of MWCNTs, the enhancements in elastic modulus, hardness, fracture resistance, and storage modulus were observed to be 80%, 36%, 32%, and 58% respectively in case of PEEK/(0–7%)MWCNT nanocomposite and 104%, 76%, 16%, and 80% respectively in case of PEEK/30%nHA-(0–7%)MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite. The decrements in loss factor indicated the improvement in elastic behavior of nanocomposites with increasing wt.% of MWCNTs. The elastic modulus of PEEK/30%nHA-5%MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite was observed to be 7.67 GPa, which falls within the range of elastic modulus of the human cortical bone. The results revealed that 5 wt.% of MWCNTs is optimum filler composition for improving the mechanical properties.

Mechanical properties and friction coefficient of hybrid polypropylene Entada mannii composites

The current study evaluates the mechanical properties and friction coefficient of polypropylene based composites reinforced with particulate derivatives from Entada mannii fiber. The composites were fabricated by mixing different ratios of fiber ash (FA) and fiber particulates (FP) with polypropylene matrix and compounded using compression moulding method. Tensile and flexural properties, impact strength, hardness and friction coefficient were assessed, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for structural and morphological studies of the composites. The results show that the tensile, flexural, impact and hardness properties of all the composites were enhanced in comparison with the unreinforced polypropylene. The hybrid reinforced composite composition containing FA and FP in ratio 3:1, had the best tensile, flexural, and hardness properties of all composites produced, ascribed to the achievement of a more uniform dispersion of FA/FP and stronger interface bonding with the polymer matrix. Specifically, enhancement of tensile and flexural strengths of 58.7% and 62.9%, respectively in comparison with the unreinforced propylene was obtained for this composition. The friction coefficient of the single reinforced composite compositions of FA and FP were higher compared to the hybrid reinforced composites and unreinforced polypropylene. The representative morphological assessments of the composites fracture surface showed that the single reinforced composite was characterized with the agglomeration of fiber ash/fiber particulates while the hybrid reinforced composites had relatively uniform distribution of reinforcement in the matrix.

Dimensional effect of SrTiO3 particles on functional performance optimization of polydimethylsiloxane-based composites for dielectric elastomer actuators

Dielectric elastomer materials have a great application potential in electromechanical sensing and energy-harvesting fields. However, the realization of high electro-actuation properties under a relatively low electric field is still a critical challenge. Herein two series of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based dielectric elastomer composites incorporated SrTiO3 (STO) with distinguishing diameters were prepared through solution-blending and compression moulding methods. The resultant STO/PDMS composites showed significantly enhanced dielectric permittivity and Young’s modulus. Moreover, the PDMS-based composite filled with 4 vol.% nano-scaled STO exhibited an improved electro-actuation strain of 3.3% at a very low electric field of 24 V μm−1, which was 30% larger than that of the neat PDMS. The experimental results revealed that the electro-active performance of dielectric elastomer composite under low electric fields can be influenced by the size of incorporating functional units, and be also successfully optimized by regulating the fillers-matrix interfacial interaction. This study provides a promising strategy to design and fabricate novel dielectric elastomers with advanced low-field driving electro-active properties.

Polyolefin Based Copolymers as Matrix Component in Coir Fiber Reinforced Composites

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have attracted much attention in global market as they possess much advantageous characteristics over conventional composite materials in terms of eco-friendliness, light weight, low cost, good mechanical properties and biodegradability. Among natural fibers, the surface properties of coir fiber can be easily improved when the fiber is reinforced with polymer matrix. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation is to develop a coir fiber composite reinforced with polyolefin based copolymers (PCs) and investigate the influence of coir fiber loading on mechanical as well as on water absorption behavior of the composites. Three types of PCs were synthesized using different controlled radical polymerizations (CRP) techniques and used as matrix in composite preparation. Poly(ethylene-co-butyl methacrylate) synthesized via dual concurrent atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)-reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization as well as RAFT mediated miniemulsion polymerization and poly(1-octene-co-butyl methacrylate) synthesized via RAFT polymerization were used as matrix component to prepare the composite materials. The performance evaluation of these PCs in the prepared composites was also compared. The composites were prepared using compression moulding method by reinforcing with 65, 70, 75 and 80 wt. % coirfiber loading. Analysis by universal testing machine (UTM) showed that the tensile strength and flexural strength of composites were decreased with increase in the fiber loading. Highest tensile as well as flexural strength was observed for 65 wt. % coir fiber loading. Among the three types of PCs matrixes, poly(ethylene-co-butyl mehacrylate) synthesized by RAFT mediated miniemulsion polymerization showed highest tensile and flexural strengths in the prepared composite. PCs reinforced coir fiber composites showed the potential advantage over coir fiber composites with commercial Araldite 506 resin as matrix component in terms of tensile as well as flexural properties. The morphological study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the good adhesion between the PCs matrixes and the coir fibers in the prepared composites. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis demonstrated significant changes occurred on the surface of coir fiber due to reinforcement of PCs matrixes and X-ray diffraction studies showed the amorphous natures of the composites without any crystallinity. Thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that due to penetration of PCs matrix into the coir fiber, the thermal stability of composites were significantly increased. Furthermore, water absorption properties of composites were also investigated. Based on these results the synthesized PCs/coir composite materials are found to be suitable for its use as hardboards and in different household furniture materials.