Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites Research Articles

Enhanced Thermal and Flexural Properties of Alkalized Date Palm/Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites: A Comparative Study of Untreated and Treated Fibers

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the thermal and mechanical behavior of hybrid composites made from date palm (DP) and kenaf fibers (KF) in an epoxy thermoset matrix. Both DP and KF fibers are abundant and renewable, reducing environmental impact. KF offers high tensile strength and stiffness, improving composite strength and rigidity, while DP fibers offer toughness and impact resistance, enhancing durability. The composites were developed in 30%, 50%, and 70% DP-KF compositions using layup and hot-pressing methods. Fiber treatment through alkalization was analyzed for its impact on mechanical and thermal properties to find the optimal fiber ratio. The hybrid composites were subjected to DMA, TGA, and flexural tests. The treated composites exhibited fewer impurities and increased cellulose content, resulting in enhanced flexural performance. This improvement was evident through higher storage modulus, lower loss modulus, and reduced tan δ when exposed to thermal stress. The 30% DP and 70% KF composites exhibited best performance. The treated 30DP-70KF exhibited improvement in the flexural strength and modulus by 13.8% and 2.7%, respectively. TGA demonstrated that treated 30DP-70KF composites had a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and better thermal degradation resistance. These findings highlight the potential of natural fiber hybrids in creating sustainable, high-performance composite materials for construction and industrial applications.

Effect of alkali treatment on mechanical and water absorption properties of biodegradable wheat-straw/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: A sustainable alternative for conventional materials

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are preferred over conventional materials because of their superior strength and modulus. Previously limited due to high manufacturing costs, synthetic fibers have been replaced by some natural fibers, such as waste wheat straw fibers. Here, epoxy-based polymer composites' mechanical and physical properties have been investigated, focusing on fiber weight ratios for both treated and untreated fiber. The research found that treated fibers display more effective mechanical qualities than untreated fibers, with a higher tensile strength of 54.4 MPa. The untreated Wheat Straw-Glass fiber reinforced composite has a less tensile strength of 26.3 MPa (10 wt% fiber). Pure resin-based composite has the most minor tensile strength at 1.52 MPa. The highest flexural strength obtained for hybrid composite is 88.76 MPa for treated fiber with epoxy resin and 49.6 MPa for untreated 30 wt % fiber. At the same time, the sole epoxy resin composite has the lowest value of 10.60 MPa. Untreated fiber (30 wt%) has the highest impact energy of 8J. Untreated wheat straw fiber absorbs more water due to its hydrophilic nature. In contrast, treated fiber exhibits better bonding and minimal water content, and the sole epoxy resin composite exhibits hydrophobic properties, resulting in less water absorption. The treated fiber displays better bonding than the untreated fiber throughout the SEM analysis. Wheat Straw fiber is mainly used for biodegradable plastic formation, housing construction, building materials, etc.

Investigating indispensable characteristics of Boehmeria nivea and Agave sisalana fiber–reinforced epoxy hybrid composites for particle board applications

Investigating indispensable characteristics of Boehmeria nivea and Agave sisalana fiber–reinforced epoxy hybrid composites for particle board applications

Scratch resistance of glass‐basalt fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: A comparative study

AbstractThis research explores the scratch resistance of polymer composites reinforced with hybrid glass and basalt fibers under repeated loadings. By examining the behavior across 1–10 repetitions using Rockwell and Vickers indenters, the study delves into the complex interplay between composite matrices and the fibers' configurations. Through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging and 3D profilometry, it reveals how different fibers influence the composite's surface post‐scratch tests. Basalt fibers are found to offer superior scratch protection over glass fibers, although both types' of effectiveness declines with increased loading cycles, showing significant material loss and surface damage respectively. Composites with these fibers display enhanced resistance, especially when basalt fibers are optimally positioned on the surface. The study underscores the critical role of fiber‐matrix bonding in scratch resistance and the significant impact of mechanical stress. It was found that the scratch hardness values reduced with more repeats in the scratch tests utilizing Vickers and Rockwell indenters. The sample with the label G4B6G4 has the greatest hardness values, which is noteworthy. After 10 repeats, the scratch hardness values for this sample reduced to 225 N/mm2 and 75 N/mm2, respectively, from roughly 340 N/mm2 and 225 N/mm2 at both ends for a single repetition. In addition, ANOVA for penetration depth is dominated (66.01%) by the repetition factor. The most common kind is indenter (42.79%), with low p‐values. Despite material and indenter effects, groove area study confirms the significance of repetition (65.72%).Highlights Basalt fibers enhance scratch resistance more than glass fibers. Increased scratch repetitions lead to fiber breakage and material loss. Hybrid fiber layers distribute load and minimize surface damage. Strong fiber‐matrix adhesion is crucial for reducing damage severity. Research informs the design of durable, fiber‐reinforced composites.

Water-soaking effect and influence of nanoclay on mechanical properties of bamboo/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Water-soaking effect and influence of nanoclay on mechanical properties of bamboo/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Bio-degradable waste banana and neem fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: characteristics study

Bio-degradable waste banana and neem fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: characteristics study

Influence of heat treatment and water absorption on mechanical properties of cotton-glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: An eco-friendly approach for industrial materials

The effect of the heat treatment and the water absorption of the glass-fiber and recycled cotton fabric-reinforced hybrid composites on the mechanical and physical characteristics were examined in the research. The heat treatment at 80 °C significantly improved G-C-G's tensile as well as flexural strengths by 21% and 28%, respectively. However, due to the improved bonding among the matrix and fiber, G-C-G layer fiber hybrid composites performed better mechanical characteristics than the other alternative composite layers. However, after water absorption, the tensile, and flexural strength of all types of composites diminished from the as-cast samples. In this instance, the flexural and tensile strengths of the G-C-G hybrid composites decreased by 12.87% and 19.11%, respectively, and the bonding between the fiber and matrix degraded was evaluated by SEM images. The maximum amount of water absorption (23.15%) is found for C–C–C composites due to the porosity presented in the cotton fiber. The study evaluated optimal ratios of glass fiber to cotton-reinforced composites, considering both practical and financial aspects. In this case, the G-G-G composites always show better mechanical properties, but the variation among the strength of G-G-G as well as G-C-G is marginal. G-C-G fiber-based hybrid materials are more acceptable because of their affordable cost as well as biodegradable properties than G-G-G composites. Cotton/glass fiber reinforced composites have been proposed as an alternative to appealing elements in the building, automotive, and textile industries.

Mechanical Strength and Physical of Bamboo/Nettle Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Mechanical Strength and Physical of Bamboo/Nettle Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Effects of Alkali Treatment on the Mechanical, Chemical, and Thermal Properties of Aramid and Grass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Effects of Alkali Treatment on the Mechanical, Chemical, and Thermal Properties of Aramid and Grass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Carbon Fiber/Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites Filled with Al2O3 Particles

In this study, we produced Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) reinforced carbon fiber and glass fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP, GFRP) composites and investigated mechanical and tribological properties. Al2O3 was dispersed in epoxy resin using a mechanical stirrer. The composites are produced via the hand lay-up method and dried at room temperature for 48 hours. The properties of composites were determined via Archimedes’ method, flexural, impact, hardness and wear tests. The highest flexural strength and hardness were found at 946.3 MPa and 48.7 HBA for 3 wt.% Al2O3 reinforced CFRP, respectively. The highest impact strength was observed at 187.4 kJ/m2 for an un-reinforced GFRP composite. The lowest Coefficient of Friction (COF) and wear depth was found 3 wt.% Al2O3 reinforced GFRP composites.

Mechanical, Morphological, and Fire Behaviors of Sugar Palm/Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

This research aims to investigate using sugar palm fiber (SPF) and glass fiber (GF) in an epoxy matrix to develop composite materials with improved mechanical, morphological, and flammability properties. The mechanical and flammability properties are examined per ASTM standards, while the morphological study examines the fractured surfaces of the samples. Using the hand lay-up technique, the hybrid composite comprises 15% SPF, 15% GF, and 70% epoxy resin. Three treatments are applied to the SPF: untreated, alkaline treated, and benzoyl chloride treated, which enables research into the effect of fiber treatment on mechanical properties and flammability. The morphological investigation reveals that both treated SPF/GF/EP composites exhibit lower tensile strength than the untreated SPF/GF/EP composite due to inadequate mechanical interlocking at the fiber-matrix interface. However, the alkaline-treated SPF/GF/EP composite demonstrates a 24.8% improvement in flexural strength, a 1.52% increase in impact strength, and a 9.76% enhancement in flammability. Similarly, the benzoyl chloride-treated SPF/GF/EP composite improves flexural strength, impact strength, and flammability by 24.6%, 0.51%, and 5.66%, respectively. These results highlight the potential of fiber treatment to improve composite materials’ mechanical and flammability properties.

Influence of stacking sequence and halloysite addition on the fracture toughness and low‐velocity impact strength of carbon/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites

AbstractThe objective of this study is to produce bidirectional woven carbon/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites and to assess their fracture toughness (FT) and low‐velocity impact strength. The composites were produced for the study by changing the stacking order of fiber layers using a vacuum assisted resin infusion process. In addition, the consequence of halloysite nano‐clay addition on the above properties were explored. The outcomes disclosed that the arrangement of fiber layer notably influences the FT and low‐velocity impact strength of the composites. Particularly, the addition of more carbon fiber layers played a key role in enhancing the FT of hybrid composites, while a reverse trend was observed for low‐velocity impact strength of composites due to the elastic nature of glass fibers, which absorbs more energy through global deformation. Additionally, the incorporation of halloysites enhanced the FT and impact strength of hybrid composites due to increased interfacial adhesion between composite elements. In addition, morphological analysis was conducted to evaluate the damage morphologies and failure mechanisms of tested laminates, which offers crucial information for the structural design of these laminates as well as for the enhancement of their performance.Highlights Fracture toughness and impact strength of hybrid composites were investigated. Arranging carbon fibers on the extreme layers enhanced the fracture toughness. Glass fiber used in hybrid composite supports to increase their impact strength. Addition of halloysite improved the overall performance of hybrid composites.

Investigation on Mechanical and Sliding Wear Behavior of Pongamia-Oil-Cake/Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Investigation on Mechanical and Sliding Wear Behavior of Pongamia-Oil-Cake/Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Comparative study on mechanical properties of banana-glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Hybrid composite materials are extensively used in both household and industrials applications nowadays. Natural or synthetic fibers may be used as reinforcement in reinforced plastics. Despite the fact that synthetic fibers have a high mechanical strength, their application fields are extremely limited due to their higher manufacturing costs. In this regard, an experiment was conducted to determine the viability of producing hybrid composites that retain both their properties and enhanced mechanical properties. In this work the effect of banana and glass fiber with epoxy resin as matrix is studied by forming hybrid composites. Here, continuous banana fiber is used with randomly oriented CSM glass fiber of 450 GSM, alongside treating banana fiber by NaOH. The treated and untreated banana fiber samples were prepared along with pure epoxy resin and glass fiber. The percentages of fiber by weight volume in the treated and untreated samples were maintained at 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively. The mechanical tests were performed and found out that 40 wt% treated fiber consistently outperformed the untreated fiber in every test. From the results, 40 wt% treated fiber and untreated had the tensile strength as 57.8 MPa and 41.8 MPa respectively, flexural strength as 117.54 MPa and 99.08 MPa respectively, Shore D hardness as 81 and 71.2 respectively, and the impact energy found out was 8 J and 5 J respectively. The water absorption test revealed that untreated fiber can take in more liquid than treated fiber. Lastly, the SEM image analysis showed the reasons for the difference in the treated and untreated composite’s obtained mechanical strength and water absorption. Moreover, from the tested results these hybrid composites can be used as an alternative for many conventional materials such as at household items in case of making storage boxes, shielding roofs, benches, also in industry by making ecofriendly durable helmets.

Synergetic effect of graphene particles on novel biomass–based Ficus benghalensis aerial root/flax fiber–reinforced hybrid epoxy composites for structural application

Synergetic effect of graphene particles on novel biomass–based Ficus benghalensis aerial root/flax fiber–reinforced hybrid epoxy composites for structural application

Effect of Al2O3 and SiC Nano-Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Polymeric nanocomposites are an emerging research topic, as they improve fiber-reinforced composites’ thermo-mechanical and tribological properties. Nanomaterials improve electrical and thermal conductivity and provide excellent wear and friction resistance to the polymer matrix material. In this research work, a systematic study was carried out to examine the tensile and hardness properties of a carbon fiber epoxy composite comprising nano-sized Al2O3 and SiC fillers. The study confirms that adding nano-fillers produces superior tensile and hardness properties for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The amount of filler loading ranged from 1, 1.5, 1.75, and 2% by weight of the resin for Al2O3 and 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 2% for SiC fillers. The maximum tensile strength gain of 29.54% and modulus gain of 2.42% were noted for Al2O3 filled composite at 1.75 wt.% filler loading. Likewise, enhanced strength gain of 25.75% and 1.17% in modulus gain was obtained for SiC-filled composite at 1.25 wt.% filler loading, respectively. The hardness property of nano-filled composites improved with a hardness number of 47 for nano-Al2O3 and 43 for nano-SiC, respectively, at the same filler loading.

Effect of graphite fillers on woven bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites for semistructural applications: fabrication and characterization

Effect of graphite fillers on woven bamboo fiber-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites for semistructural applications: fabrication and characterization

Mechanical Investigation of Basalt/S-Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites for High Temperature Application

The work presents the mechanical investigation of composite materials that are meant to perform under different temperature condition with the application of tensile loading. The composite under study is developed using reinforcement materials made out of basalt and S-glass fiber reinforced with polymer matrix composite (epoxy resin) by hand layup technique with different compositions by changing the fiber layer sequence starting with pure form to hybrid once (fiber architecture). The test results reveals, that the tensile properties of the hybrid composites with fiber architecture of 2/2 basalt mixed S-glass fiber reinforced with epoxy composites are at its optimal level in both normal and elevated temperature conditions. Basalt fiber being good temperature resistant and S-glass fiber having high strength, with this hybrid combination, the material has out played under tensile force being applied when compared with other samples under test.

Dynamic mechanical behavior of a nano sized alumina fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Several researchers have spent the last few years investigating the use of natural fibers as load-bearing and wear-resistant elements in composites. Because of their low cost, ability to recycle, and ability to compete in terms of strength per weight of material, the usage of such materials in composites has increased. However, those materials do not yet meet the requirements for substituting typical filler composites. Nano composites are materials made by the combination of nanoparticles with a little amount of another component. This is a fast growing branch of nanotechnology. The nano substance considerably improves the original material's thermal and electrical conductivity, including its mechanical strength. A nano composite is a material that combines a polymer matrix with fibers, platelets, or particles. with a nanometer (nm) scale dimension (10–9 m). As a result, in the current study, an attempt was made to build a new alumina fiber filler reinforced epoxy hybrid nano composite and to investigate its dynamic mechanical behavior. As a result, this study looked into the dynamic mechanical evaluation of nano-sized alumina fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites arising from the inclusion of alumina nano fibers as filler and made utilizing the compression molding technique. Alumina nanofiber concentrations were changed. The effects of different nano alumina nano fiber compositions on dynamic mechanical analysis results such as storage modulus and damping factor were investigated. Finally, the insertion of nano fibres improved the glass transition temperature significantly.

Investigation of Physical, Mechanical Properties of Treated Date Palm Fibre and Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

ABSTRACT This research is a comparative study of untreated and treated date palm fiber (DPF) and kenaf (KF)-reinforced epoxy hybrid composite and explores the properties of DPF. The prepared hybrid composites were characterized in terms of tensile properties, impact properties, physical behavior, water absorption, and thickness swelling. The composites were prepared by hand layup technique. Treated 30% date palm and 70% kenaf (T-3DP7K) showed the highest tensile strength (26.45 MPa) and modulus (4.54 GPa) among untreated and treated hybrid composites. The scanning electron microscope revealed the behavior of fiber and polymers and also the cause of tensile test failure. The impact strength of T-1DP1K revealed highest impact resistant (5493 J/m) among untreated and treated hybrid composites. Remarkably, alkali-treated hybrid composites reduced the water absorption and thickness swelling compared to the untreated composites. In untreated composites, higher DPF content composites showed higher moisture content and dimensional instability. Overall, we concluded that among all hybrid composites, T-3DP7K showed better tensile properties, lowest water absorption, and lowest thickness swelling, and T-7DP3K showed better impact properties.