Glass Fiber Composites Research Articles

Nanocomposites of Glass/Sisal Fibre Strengthened Hybrid Polymer Matrix and the Effect of SiC Nanofillers on its Mechanical Features

Introduction: This study investigates the mechanical characteristics of hybrid sisal fibre (SF)/glass fibre (GF) reinforced composites with various weight % of nSiC fillers (nano silicon carbide). SF/GF/nSiC reinforced hybrid composite materials were developed following ASTM specifications using the vacuum infusion technique. Method: The resulting composites were then evaluated for their tensile, impact, hardness, and flexural characteristics. The findings reveal that none of the composites can imitate the GF composite's mechanical advantages despite hybridization and the nanofiller addition. The hybrid composite laminates with 2 wt.% nSiC show better mechanical response than competing hybrid composites. Results: The GF/SF/2%nSiC composite's impact strength and shore D hardness of the GF/SF/2%nSiC composite are 1.25 and 1.2 times greater than those of the GF/SF/3%nSiC composites. The GF/SF/2%nSiC composites exhibit 1.64, 1.5, and 1.8 times higher tensile strength, tensile modulus, and toughness modulus than the GF/SF/3%nSiC composites. The GF/SF/2%nSiC composite has a flexural modulus and strength of 1.22 and 1.41 times higher than the GF/SF/3%nSiC composites. Conclusion: The improved mechanical properties of the GF/SF/2%nSiC composite can be attributed to the firm bond between the fibre and matrix, the uniform dispersion of nanofillers, and reduced porosity. result: The tensile, impact, hardness, and flexural properties of the developed composites were assessed. SEM of the fractured surface was also performed to corroborate the results and determine the fracture mode.

Application of lightweight materials in automobiles: A review

Due to increasing challenges on carbon emissions, there is increased demand for more fuel economic vehicles; weight reduction, an attractive strategy for increasing fuel efficiency, has become prevalent in automobile design. This paper provides a review on weaved carbon fiber composites, long fiber carbon fiber composites, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and glass fiber composites. They are assessed on strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and processing difficulty, to determine whether they can be used in lightweight automobile components. Numerous methods can be used to enhance the mechanical properties and ease of processing of these materials, to make them more appropriate for use. However, the materials all have their specific downsides like high weight, difficulties in processing, low corrosion resistance, or poor fatigue properties. We concluded that the materials are suitable for usage in automotives after undergoing specific Manufacturers should consider the relevance of these advantages and disadvantages to the application of materials in specific parts of the automobile.

Investigation of Drilling Performances, Tribological and Mechanical Behaviors of GFRC Filled with B4C and Gr

AbstractIn this study, the effects of Gr and B4C filler materials on drilling performance, mechanical, and tribological behaviors of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were experimentally investigated. Glass fiber-reinforced composite materials filled with B4C and Gr at different weight ratios (5%, 10%, and 15%) were manufactured using hand lay-up method. The produced composite materials underwent various tests, including mechanical tests (tensile and flexural tests), tribological tests (wear behavior), and drilling tests under different parameters. Additionally, SEM images of the worn and fractured surfaces were examined. The addition of both B4C and Gr fillers adversely affected the mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced composites. It was observed that tensile and flexural strengths decreased with increasing filler ratios. However, the addition of B4C and Gr fillers enhanced the wear resistance of glass fiber-reinforced composites. It was revealed that in drilling operations, as the feed rate increased, the thrust forces increased, while the cutting speed increased, the thrust forces decreased. It was determined that delamination values in glass fiber reinforced composites decreased as the feed rate increase, while delamination values increased as the cutting speed increased. Generally, the thrust forces, vibration, delamination, and moment values obtained during the drilling of B4C-filled glass fiber composites were found to be higher compared to Gr-filled glass fiber composites.

Development and characterization of hybrid polymer composite materials with reinforcement of glass/carbon fibers for enhanced mechanical properties: an experimental and numerical approach

Composite materials, particularly fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), are used in aerospace and automotive industries due to their desirable properties and surpassing traditional metals in various applications. Researchers are countering the drawbacks of using a single fiber type in FRP by creating hybrid composites that combine different fibers in a single matrix. These hybrids harness the cost-effectiveness and corrosion resistance of glass fibers alongside the strength and stiffness of carbon fibers, resulting in a balanced combination of properties for various applications. Tensile tests were performed according to the ASTM D3039 standard, with a 2 mm/min strain rate. The results showed that increasing the carbon fiber percentage (6.56%, 13.79%, and 21.07%) led to significant improvements in the tensile strength of the hybrid composites (34.18%, 55.44%, and 85.40% higher than glass fiber composites). However, changing the stacking sequence did not significantly affect tensile strength, indicating its insignificance in this regard. Numerical simulations were conducted to validate the experimental results, and the errors between experimental and numerical data were below 10% for various stacking sequences. These discrepancies were attributed to factors such as fiber waviness, which resulted in heterogeneous property distribution within the composites, and the manufacturing process used for creating the hybrid composites. Scanning electron microscope analysis was also performed to study the failure modes on the fracture surface of the tensile-tested specimens.

Correlative Investigation on Dielectric-Mechanical-Morphological Characteristic for Kenaf-Glass-Hybrid Fibers Reinforced Epoxy Composite

In recent years, there are many applications where synthetic fibers and natural fibers are used as reinforcing materials in composites, such as the automotive and aerospace industries, the medical industry, and the construction industry. While these hybrid fibers effectively enhance mechanical and electrical properties, research into electrical characteristics remains inadequate and is an ongoing endeavor. In this work, synthetic woven glass fibers and natural woven kenaf fibers were used to fabricate composite materials by vacuum infusion technique. The dielectric properties of three different substrates, glass fibers, kenaf fibers and glass/kenaf fibers reinforced epoxy composites were investigated at 0° orientation. The ENA Network Analyzer was used to measure dielectric properties in a wide microwave frequency range. The substrates were single-joint overlapped with an adhesive and then mechanically tested. The shear strength of the joint as a function of strain, was tested using a Shimadzu universal testing machine. Visual inspections were performed to determine the failure modes of the composites. The dielectric constant and loss factor of the glass fiber composite were the highest, while the kenaf fiber composite had the lowest value. When a small amount of glass fibers is incorporated into kenaf fibers, which is called a hybrid composite, the polarization increases and the mechanical strength also increases compared to the kenaf fiber composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fractured tensile tests was performed to understand the nature of the interfaces between glass, kenaf and matrix. The kenaf/matrix interface was heterogeneous but exhibited voids, resulting in low dielectric properties and mechanical strength. By inserting a small amount of glass fibers, the hybrid with kenaf fibers improve the dielectric constant by 20.7% and the dielectric loss factor by 27% compared with the kenaf fiber composite. The results also show that the composites exhibit a correlation between the dielectric properties, tensile strength, and the morphological nature of the interfaces.

Investigating the changing dynamics of processing, temperature‐based mechanics, and flame retardancy in the transfer of ammonium polyphosphate/inorganic silicate flame retardants from epoxy resins to glass fiber composites

AbstractAlthough numerous investigations study the improvement of flame retardancy of epoxy resins using additives, maintaining the flame retardant (FRs) modes of action present in the resins upon transfer to composites is challenging. In this study, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and inorganic silicate (InSi) are loaded at 10%, 30%, and 50% by weight, in a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin cured with dicyandiamide and transferred to bidirectional (BD) glass fiber (GF) composites. Although a 50% loading of the FRs impacts the curing kinetics of the resin system, the effect on the glass transition temperature of the resin system remains negligible compared to reactive FRs in the state of the art integrated into the resin's chemical structure. Increasing the FR content improved the heat release characteristics in both the resins and composites. However, the charring mode of action is completely suppressed in the formulation with 10% APP + InSi. A 30% concentration of the FRs restored the charring action in the composite and the GFs provide increased protective layer action upon transfer to the composites. This study highlights the importance of accounting for the changing dynamics related to processing and flame retardancy upon transferring FRs from resins to composites.

Mechanical and ballistic studies of boron carbide filler reinforced glass fiber composites

AbstractOwing to the outstanding properties of boron carbide (B4C) particles, material researchers have shown potential in filler‐reinforced polymer composites. The present work studied the implication of B4C fillers on the mechanical and ballistic properties of glass fiber epoxy reinforced composites. Two different weight percentages of 2 and 4 wt% B4C fillers were used to modify the epoxy resin. The composite samples with glass fabric woven were made through compression molding. The results show that the tensile, flexural, interlaminar, impact strength and hardness of glass fiber composite were improved by addition of 2 wt% of B4C. The high‐velocity ballistic tests were conducted on the unfilled and B4C filler‐reinforced composites using a 9 mm parabellum projectile with an initial striking of 372 ± 15 m/s. The least back face signature (BFS) and highest specific energy absorption (SEA) were observed for 2 wt% B4C filler composite. Adding B4C filler enhanced matrix toughening and interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix. Matrix cracking and fiber breakage result in the least ballistic resistance for unfilled composite. Fracture behavior was studied on tensile, impact, and ballistic‐tested samples using scanning electron microscopy. The fractured surfaces of filler‐reinforced composite demonstrated good interfacial bonding, matrix hardening, and fiber pullouts.Highlights The addition of B4C with epoxy up to 2 wt% improves the mechanical and ballistic properties of the composites. The least back face signature and highest specific energy absorption were observed for 2 wt% B4C filler composite. B4C filler enhanced matrix toughening and interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix. Failure of unfilled glass fiber composites is a combination of matrix cracking, fiber pullout, and interface debonding.

Towards greener wind power: Nanodiamond-treated flax fiber composites outperform standard glass fiber composites in impact fatigue tests

Wind energy is facing two major problems, recyclability of wind turbine blades, primarily made from fiberglass, and rain erosion on the blade’s leading edges. Here, we show that flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites have less impact fatigue damage than glass fiber (GF) composites made with the same resin. The novel treatment of flax with non-toxic nanodiamonds even boosts its outstanding performance. Nanodiamond-treated flax fiber (FFND) composites exhibit a damage incubation period up to 17 times as long as GF composites and have at least 74% less mass loss. This is connected to lower initial impact pressure, less shock wave reflections and better impact absorption of flax composites. The nanodiamonds act as fiber sizing, strengthening the fibers and their matrix interface. This delays fracturing and results in less erosion, making the biodegradable FFND a promising replacement for GF towards a fabrication of more sustainable and longer lasting wind turbine blades.

Impact of stacking sequence on the thermal and electrical properties of Poly (aryl ether ketone)/glassfiber/buckypaper composites

AbstractThe current market's imperative demand necessitates the research and development of advanced polymer composites, especially those incorporating nanofillers. Carbon nanotubes, in particular, have attracted significant attention within research and development for their potential in creating multifunctional composites. This study aims to evaluate the impact of incorporating carbon nanotube buckypapers (BP) on the thermal and electrical properties of poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK)/glass fiber (GF) composites. The BP was prepared through vacuum filtration and integrated into PAEK/GF composites with varying stacking sequences, followed by hot compression processing. The degradation behavior of the laminates was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The viscoelastic properties, evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), suggested an increase in stiffness with the inclusion of BP in two of the analyzed stacking sequences. Thermal conductivity, measured via the pulse laser method, showed results comparable to the base laminate (0.153 W/m·K). Meanwhile, electrical conductivity, assessed using the four‐point probe method in the in‐plane direction, revealed semiconductor properties, achieving a mean value of 3.162 S/cm for one of the samples, indicating electrical anisotropy within the multifunctional composite material.

Study on the Properties and Fatigue Characteristics of Glass Fiber Composites Due to Porosity

A study was conducted on the changes in mechanical properties and fatigue failure characteristics due to voids, one of the fabrication defects in composite materials. This study was primarily based on glass fiber fabrics applied to wind turbine blades and their material properties were predicted through micro and meso modeling of composite materials by simulating random defects including voids. As the wind turbine blades become larger, various defects develop. The fundamental changes in the materials’ properties due to voids were predicted through homogenization methods and Representative Volume Element (RVE), and the failure properties were obtained through progressive failure analysis by applying virtual coupons according to ASTM D3090 and ASTM D6641. The progressive failure was identified using the Matzenmiller–Lubliner–Taylor (MLT) failure condition, and the fatigue failure characteristics were assessed through the Tsai–Hill 3D load.

Flax–Reinforced Vitrimer Epoxy Composites Produced via RTM

Composite laminates were produced by RTM using similar glass and flax fabrics and both vitrimer epoxy and aerospace-grade epoxy, both formulated for liquid molding. Tensile and flexural properties were measured and compared, revealing that the vitrimer composites exhibited equivalent performance in flexural strength and tensile modulus, but slightly lower performance in tensile strength relative to reference epoxy composites. In general, glass–fiber composites outperformed flax–fiber composites in tension. However, both glass and flax–fiber composites yielded roughly equivalent flexural strength and tensile modulus-to-weight ratios. Flax fabrics were recovered from composites by matrix dissolution, and a second-life laminate showed full retention of the mechanical properties relative to those produced from fresh flax. Finally, a demonstration of re-forming was undertaken, showing that simple press-forming can be used to modify the composite shape. However, re-forming to a flat configuration resulted in local fiber damage and a decrease in mechanical properties. An alternative forming method was demonstrated that resulted in less fiber damage, indicating that further refinements might lead to a viable forming and re-forming process.

Compression characteristics and fractography of in‐situ polymerisable thermoplastic and bio‐epoxy based non‐crimp carbon and glass fiber composites

AbstractThis experimental work involves characterization and fractography of a bio‐based epoxy and an in‐situ polymerisable thermoplastic polymer matrix based non‐crimp glass and carbon fiber composites under compressive loading. The laminates are characterized under compression loading using a combined loading compression (CLC) fixture. Laminates made using the thermoplastic matrix exhibit higher compressive strength (approx. 20% along fiber direction) compared to the bio‐epoxy based laminates. Further, both composites exhibit comparable compressive modulus characteristics. The tested composites are subjected to fractography analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Computed tomography (CT). SEM results indicate a difference in fiber‐matrix interface characteristics between the thermoplastic matrix and the bio‐epoxy matrix. Additionally, the CT scans reveal a difference in failure modes due to fiber orientations. A difference between failure mode of the exterior and interior plies of the specimens was also noticed. However, no specific influence of matrix type was observed on the overall macroscopic failure behavior.Highlights Bio‐epoxy and thermoplastic based laminates were characterized in compression. Post‐test fractography was performed using SEM and x‐ray CT scans. Use of thermoplastic matrix exhibits better fiber‐matrix adhesion compared to bio‐epoxy. Both laminates performed well in compression under laboratory test conditions.

Surface Treatments' Influence on the Interfacial Bonding between Glass Fibre Reinforced Elium® Composite and Polybutylene Terephthalate.

This study examines the process of using injection moulding to join two different materials to manufacture bi-component moulded products with improved performance characteristics. The two-component process, which combines the advantages of two different technologies-the high efficiency of the injection moulding process and the excellent mechanical properties of long glass fibre composites produced by resin transfer moulding (RTM) technology-offers a particular advantage and improved applicability of the prepared lightweight products in both the automotive and aerospace sectors. The composite studied here consists of Elium® thermoplastic resin (30%) reinforced with unwoven glass fibre fabric (70%) using the RTM process. The Elium® composite sample is consequently used as an insert overmoulded with polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) homopolymer reinforced with 20% w/w of short glass fibre through injection moulding. The influence of different mould temperatures and surface treatments on the adhesion between the materials used is investigated by evaluating the mechanical performance using tensile shear strength tests. It was found that while an increase in mould temperature from 40 °C to 120 °C resulted in a doubling of the initial average bond strength between untreated Elium® RTM inserts and overmoulded PBT parts (0.9 MPa), sandblasting the inserts ensured a further tripling of the bond strength of the composites to a value of 5.4 MPa.

Transforming composite waste into cement

With its diverse composition of glass fibers, additives and thermosetting resins, composite waste needs innovative solutions to mitigate its environmental impact. Here, Kim Sjödahl, senior vice president for technology and sustainability at specialist composites manufacturer Exel Composites, explores the pioneering initiatives shaping the future of composites manufacturing.

Development and Characterization of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Reinforced with Graphene and Fibre Glass Composites for Aerospace Application

Natural fibre-based compositessuch as Pineapple leaf fibre (PALF)are valued for their environmental friendliness and unique properties, can be combined with graphene and glass fibres to create advanced aerospace composites. This study investigates the effects of graphene content and PALF composition on the mechanical properties of the composite. PALF is made using environmentally friendly methods, with graphene treated for better integration and fibre glass added through layering. This study compares the strength and flexibility of two samples with different PALF-to-fibreglass ratios: 50:50 and 70:30, and one sample with a 70:30 PALF-to-fibreglass ratio reinforced with 1% graphene, using tensile and flexural tests. The 70:30 composition ratio results in a lower maximum tensile strength and Young’s modulus, but a higher bending stress than the 50:50 ratio due to the higher volume of PALF in the sample. 70:30 PALF/fibreglass reinforced with 1% graphene is stiffer, resulting in a higher Young’s modulus compared to the sample without graphene. There is a slight decrease in flexural strength for the 70:30 PALF/fibreglass ratio reinforced with 1% graphene, while still maintaining superior bending stress strength compared to 50:50 ratio compositions. From the SEM test, PALF/fibreglass samples exhibited fibre pull-out, while 70:30 samples reinforced with graphene showed fibre breakage. Graphene enhanced the bonding between fibres and resins, leading to the breakage.Without graphene, weaker bonding led to fibre pull-out. Therefore, the PALF/fibreglass reinforced with graphene has the potential for aerospace applications, particularly in components subjected to high bending stress, such as aircraft wings or the horizontal tail.

The role of the fiber–matrix interface in the tensile properties of short fiber–reinforced 3D‐printed polylactic acid composites

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the relationship between structure and properties of fiber–matrix adhesion for material extrusion–based 3‐dimensional (3D) printed composites. We examine the influence of fiber length and fiber content on the tensile properties of glass, basalt, and carbon fiber–reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites. Short fiber–reinforced filaments were produced, then, simple micromechanical models were used to predict the in‐plane tensile properties. We found that interlayer tensile properties are strongly influenced by fiber–matrix adhesion. If adhesion is sufficient, the fibers and matrix deform together under tensile load. A second‐order relationship describes interlayer tensile strength in relation to fiber content between 5 and 25 w%, with a maximum at 15 w%, for carbon and basalt fiber–reinforced composites. If adhesion is weak, the crack propagates along the fiber–matrix interface, causing brittle fracture and low strength. This behavior was noted for the glass fiber composite, for which the calculated interface shear strength was the lowest (1.4 MPa). In this case, fiber content is inversely proportional to interlayer tensile strength. Our results show the role of fiber–matrix adhesion quality on tensile properties, which has a major impact on both the accuracy of predictions and the damage processes.Highlights Critical fiber length determines accuracy of tensile property estimates Quality of fiber–matrix adhesion governs interlayer damage process Poor adhesion causes brittle fracture and low strength Second‐order relationship of interlayer tensile strength and fiber content Loss of interlayer tensile strength in composite due to fiber–matrix interface

Mechanical properties of web kapok/fiberglass-epoxy hybrid composites for marine structures

Abstract This study investigates the mechanical properties of hybrid composites composed of web kapok fibers and fiberglass reinforced with epoxy for potential application in the marine industry. The web kapok fibers were carefully processed using a carding technique to ensure better alignment and consistency. Various composite configurations were produced, and extensive mechanical testing was conducted, including flexural, tensile, and impact tests. The results revealed that the presence of two web kapok fiber layers within the composite significantly increased flexural strength and flexural modulus compared to pure fiberglass laminates. However, a single layer of web kapok fabrics exhibited the highest tensile strength, although it decreased with additional layers. The impact strength of these hybrid composites also showed promising results, especially when compared to raw fiberglass composites. Moreover, these composites exhibited improved resistance to water absorption and corrosion, making them potentially suitable for marine applications. This research highlights the potential of web kapok/fiberglass hybrid composites as an eco-friendly alternative for marine engineering, with implications for reduced environmental impact and sustainable technology in the industry.

Mechanical properties of basalt fiber/ epoxy resin composites

This paper presents a study regarding the obtaining, characterizing and mechanically testing a new laminar composite material, consisting of epoxy resin reinforced with basalt plain fabric. The composites were obtained by manual lay-up, cross-link stage being developed by pressure molding in a hydraulic press. Rectangular plates were obtained and cut into samples with specific shapes, for the mechanical tests (tensile, three-point bending and compression). After testing, the fracture zone was analyzed using optical microscopy to observe the behavior of the composite following the mechanical stresses applied (fracture mechanism, voids presence and fiber delamination identification). Due to the low costs and non-hazardous nature, basalt fibers can be a serious competitor in the production of laminar composites that could successfully replace ordinary glass fiber composites. The mechanical properties in tensile, three-point bending, and compression of epoxy-resin-impregnated basalt fiber composites are comparable and even exceed those of widely used epoxy-resin-impregnated fiberglass composites.

Comparative Simulation Studies on Fabrication of Thermos Flask Using Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics and Stainless Steel

This paper investigates the fabrication of a thermos flask using reinforced plastic, with a focus on incorporating glass fiber reinforcement. The primary objective is to explore the feasibility of glass fiber as an alternative to traditional stainless steel in thermos flask construction, particularly in terms of heat retention and overall performance. A series of experiments and comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the material’s effectiveness. The findings reveal that while glass fiber-reinforced plastic offers advantages like reduced weight and increased flexibility, it does not surpass stainless steel in thermal insulation or durability. Despite these benefits, its lower performance in retaining heat limits its potential as a replacement for stainless steel in thermos flasks. Consequently, this study recommends further research into other reinforced plastics with better thermal insulation properties or enhancing glass fiber composites to improve their heat retention capabilities. The project underscores the need for continued innovation in material science to create more efficient, sustainable, and lightweight alternatives for thermal insulation applications, contributing to advancements in the design of thermos flasks and similar products.

Towards sustainable composites: Evaluation of mechanical properties, erosion behavior and applications of natural fiber-epoxy composites

Sustainable production and consumption, carried to materials and engineering applications, translates to a need for recyclable, reusable, and/or biodegradable materials. With its lower cost, lighter weight, and less carbon footprint compared to traditional glass and carbon fiber composites, natural fiber-reinforced composites are drawing more attention from the scientific community and the industrial sector. The natural fiber’s high variability and relatively inferior mechanical properties necessitate comprehensive characterization for accurate evaluation of their properties and fitness for different applications. In this research, various locally grown natural fibers (Flax, Jute, and Luffa) were sourced, characterized, and used to synthesize natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The tensile, flexural, impact properties, and erosion resistance of the composites was evaluated. Compared to the other natural fiber composites, the Jute-Epoxy composite achieved the highest tensile strength and tensile modulus with 31 MPa and 4.8 GPa respectively; Jute-Epoxy also achieved the highest flexural strength and flexural modulus, with and 60 MPa and 2.4 GPa respectively. This superior mechanical performance is due to the relatively high strength of the Jute fiber and its high adhesion to the matrix, which is supported by fractographic evidence. Luffa-Epoxy composites in general had the lowest properties of all the tested materials. The erosion test results showed that the Jute-Epoxy composites had the highest erosion resistance of all the tested materials; with 30% more erosion resistance compared to glass-fiber epoxy composites. Based on the experimental results of the investigation and similar previous research, the current and potential applications of natural fiber composites were discussed.