Hybrid Polymer Composites Research Articles

Eco‐friendly recycled glass fiber and bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy‐SiO2 polymer hybrid composite: Development and mechanical characterization

AbstractIn the pursuit of sustainable and high‐performance materials, this study presents a groundbreaking approach to enhance the mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. Railway waste provides an unexpected source of recycled glass fibers (RGFs), which, when combined with bamboo fibers (BFs) and nano SiO2 in a resilient epoxy matrix, unleashes a transformative synergy. The epoxy‐SiO2 matrix ratio was kept constant, that is,70% by weight while varying the ratio of RGF and BFs weight. The experimental results demonstrated notable improvements in mechanical properties. Specifically, a 36.92% increase in tensile strength was observed with an RGF and BF ratio of 20:10. Flexural strength exhibited a substantial enhancement of 44.67%, and impact strength increased by 31.28% at a ratio of 15:15. The composite achieved a remarkable 42.64% improvement in hardness, while attaining the lowest density value of 0.862 at a ratio of 25:05.Water absorption tests, conducted in both distilled and saline water, provided insights into the material's resistance to environmental conditions. The morphological and dispersion behaviors of the prepared composites were analyzed using advanced characterization techniques, including field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) to study the orientation, shape, and size of fibers and particles, bonding between the fibers and matrix, defects, voids, etc. Combined with energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), FESEM allows for elemental analysis, helping to identify and quantify the chemical composition of different phases within the polymer composite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to know the compositions of developed composites. The findings from this study underscore the efficacy of incorporating recycled materials.Highlights Extraction and reusing GF to develop a new hybrid composite. BF and RGF in epoxy‐SiO2 matrix present high mechanical property composite. Density and water absorption tests were done to see the swelling properties. Characterization technique employed to see the interphase of composites developed.

АДГЕЗИОННОЕ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЕ В ГИБРИДНОМ КОМПОЗИТЕ. СВЯЗЬ ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ФАЗ С ПРОЧНОСТЬЮ

Improvement of stiffness characteristics of polymer composites is conditioned by the development of hybrid composites (containing more than one type of reinforcing continuous fiber) with the provision of effective stress transfer from fibers to binder through the interface. The study of mechanisms of formation of adhesion interaction in hybrid polymer composite consists in purposeful change of energy characteristics of phases in order to achieve the optimal level of adhesion, affecting the strength of composites while providing technological and other factors, predicting their durability. In this work the relationship between the energy characteristics of phases and the strength of hybrid polymer composite was investigated. Microphotographs of wetting of fibers of different nature by liquids were obtained by the optical method, by which the edge angles of wetting were determined, tests were carried out to determine the bending strength of polymer composites. A method for predicting the flexural strength of hybrid polymer composites made by vacuum infusion method has been proposed and experimentally confirmed, which consists in linking the adhesive interaction of components, structural components and flexural strength by determining the change in their energy characteristics of the filler by wetting method.

АДГЕЗИОННОЕ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЕ В ГИБРИДНОМ КОМПОЗИТЕ. СВЯЗЬ ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ФАЗ С ПРОЧНОСТЬЮ

Improvement of stiffness characteristics of polymer composites is conditioned by the development of hybrid composites (containing more than one type of reinforcing continuous fiber) with the provision of effective stress transfer from fibers to binder through the interface. The study of mechanisms of formation of adhesion interaction in hybrid polymer composite consists in purposeful change of energy characteristics of phases in order to achieve the optimal level of adhesion, affecting the strength of composites while providing technological and other factors, predicting their durability. In this work the relationship between the energy characteristics of phases and the strength of hybrid polymer composite was investigated. Microphotographs of wetting of fibers of different nature by liquids were obtained by the optical method, by which the edge angles of wetting were determined, tests were carried out to determine the bending strength of polymer composites. A method for predicting the flexural strength of hybrid polymer composites made by vacuum infusion method has been proposed and experimentally confirmed, which consists in linking the adhesive interaction of components, structural components and flexural strength by determining the change in their energy characteristics of the filler by wetting method.

Effect of pineapple leaf and ramie fiber length and weight percentage on the hybrid polymer composites dry sliding wear and air jet erosion studies

AbstractIn this work, pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and ramie hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite samples were evaluated for their hardness strength and resistance to dry slide wear and air jet erosion. Primary reinforcement using the hybrid material was chosen from different lengths (10, 15, 20, and 25 mm) and weight percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%). The hardness strength of the hybrid composite varied from 74 to 97 Shore D hardness strength. A dry sliding wear test was conducted with the key parameters of load (20, 30, and 40 N), time (20, 10, 7 min), and speed (160, 320, and 479 rpm). By using the data analyzing software, Taguchi optimization method, the key contribution parameters were identified. In the air jet erosion experiment, impact angle (45°, 60°, and 90°), erodent velocity (28, 41, and 72 m/s), and discharge rate (1, 2.5, and 3.3 g/min) parameters were used. Fiber and matrix materials agglomeration effect and bonding behavior were identified by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The 20 mm length with 30% of the PALF and ramie hybrid fiber‐reinforced composite sample achieved high hardness strength (97 shore D) and created a high resistance toward wear and erosion studies.Highlights Natural plant pineapple leaf and ramie fibers are mixed with an epoxy matrix. Used Taguchi analysis to determine the means and signal‐to‐noise ratios Different weight percentages of the PALF and ramie hybrid composites Dry sliding wear and air jet erosion studies are conducted. Individual parameter contributions were identified.

Analysis of mechanical properties and free vibrational characteristics of novel Grewia optiva/basalt fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites

AbstractThis study emphasize on the fabrication and testing of Grewia optiva/Basalt fiber reinforced polymer composites for use in internal applications of automobiles and aircraft. The study investigates the use of Grewia optiva fiber (local plant based fiber) with Basalt fiber, where chopped Basalt fiber (6, 9, and 12 mm) is reinforced in polyester matrix in combination with Grewia optiva fiber. Composite test specimen are fabricated and analyzed using a smart actuation system to evaluate the free vibrational behavior of the composites experimentally. The impact of various parameters including length of the fiber and its weight percentage on the free vibrational behavior of composites is determined. The percentage of individual reinforced fiber is varied (0, 4, 8, and 12 wt.%) maintaining fiber weight % constant, that is, 12 wt.% of composite. The experimental results help to identify the variations in natural frequencies of Basalt/Grewia optiva fiber based composites. B12/GO0 demonstrate the natural frequency of 67 Hz and 44.71 MPa tensile strength for 12 mm fiber reinforced composites. The finding from this experimental work provide insights into the potential applications of Basalt/Grewia optiva fiber reinforced composites for automobile and air craft industries.

Polymer–Zeolite Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Application

Although the potential of natural minerals for purification of liquid radioactive wastes (LRW) from radionuclides has been widely studied, the use of hybrid polymer composites made of zeolite is still rather scarce. This article reports on the preparation of zeolite-based hybrid polymer composites using the in situ polymerization technique in the body of mineral matrix and its intercalated with copper ferrocyanide (CuFC) forms. This hybrid polymer composites have shown unique and enhanced properties for the removal of micropollutants from wasted water as compared to the individual mineral. The change in conventional properties of two mixed minerals, such as zeolite and bentonite, and their intercalated with CuFC forms were probed using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) and FT-IR analysis. The totality of analysis showed a coexistence of intercalated and percolated zeolite phases. The hybrid polymer composites exhibited both adsorption and ion-exchange properties in the removal of 134,137Cs+, 57,60Co2+ and 85Sr2+ radionuclides from LRW.

Moisture diffusion analysis and their effects on the mechanical properties of organic particle filled natural fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites

This investigation explores the water intake characteristics of hybrid composite samples composed of Wood Dust as organic filler (WD), Prosopis Juliflora as fiber (PJF), and epoxy as matrix. The specimens underwent immersion in both distilled and seawater environments for a duration of 240 hours. The composite samples, with compositions of 10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF, 20WD + 20PJF + 60 PF, and 30WD + 10PJF + 60 PF, were subjected to moisture content measurements at different intervals. Mechanical properties were tested following ASTM standards for both dry and wet conditions. Results indicate that seawater immersion leads to higher moisture absorption compared to distilled (condensed) water, with the fiber (PJF)-rich composite (30PJF +10WD + 60 PF) exhibiting the greatest water absorption. The water absorption pattern exhibited by the hybrid composite of WD/PJF/PF does not adhere to a Fickian behavior. Tensile, flexural, and impact properties were evaluated, with the (10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF) specimen showcasing superior performance in dry conditions, boasting a tensile character of 51 MPa, flexural (bending) strength of 60 MPa, and impact value of 1.4 KJ/m2. However, its strength diminishes upon exposure to distilled water and seawater. SEM analysis of fractured surfaces from seawater-exposed specimens provides additional insights. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the influence of immersion on moisture absorption and mechanical properties, emphasizing the prevalence of non-Fickian behavior and the varying performance of different compositions, with the (10WD + 30PJF + 60 PF) composition demonstrating remarkable strength under dry conditions.

Synergistic Effect of Graphene and Boron Nitride on the Electrical Conductivity and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Polymer Composites

This work examines the combined influence of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on the electrical conductivity, mechanical characteristics, and thermal stability of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based hybrid polymer composites. Graphene and h-BN were exfoliated and amalgamated in different ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1), thereafter integrated into the PVDF matrix at nanofiller concentrations of 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 2.0 wt%, and 5.0 wt%. Mechanical tests demonstrated substantial improvements in tensile strength and Young’s modulus, especially for composites with a 2:1 graphene-to-h-BN ratio. Electrical conductivity significantly enhanced with increasing nanofiller content, reaching a peak of 5.0 × 10⁻² S/m at a 5.0 wt% nanofiller concentration with a 3:1 graphene-to-h-BN ratio. Thermal stability has also improved with degradation temperatures increased by up to 70°C more as compared to PVDF. The findings demonstrate that the ideal nanofiller structure (2:Adding one graphene ratio at 5.0 wt% strikes a balance of these properties enabling the composites to be applied in electronics, sensors, and advanced structures

Experimental study of mechanical, morphological and thermal performance of bamboo-reinforced polylactic acid-based montmorillonite clay hybrid composite

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising, sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based polymers, but its mechanical and thermal properties limit its applications. This study introduces bamboo powders (BP) and montmorillonite clay particles (MMT) into the PLA matrix to prepare novel bio-based polymer hybrid composites using a unique combination of weight percentages of BP and MMT without chemical solvents through a stir casting process under optimised input parameters followed by compression moulding. Polymer hybrid composites were fabricated with different weight combinations, and their mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties were analysed. Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were performed to examine the mechanical performance, while thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to assess thermal stability and characteristics. Microscopy observations showed a strong interaction between the bamboo, clay, and PLA matrix. The results revealed that the maximum tensile strength and modulus increased by 26.1 % and 40.8 %, respectively, with 10 wt% BP and 4 wt% clay content. Impact strength increased by 48 % with 15 wt% BP and 4 wt% clay content. Moreover, the thermal decomposition temperature, glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallisation temperature (Tc), and melting temperature (Tm) of the hybrid composites improved considerably with 10 wt% BP and 4 wt% clay content, increasing by 4 °C, 2 °C, and 8 °C, respectively. Based on the findings of this study, the controlled processing parameters were optimised to fabricate the bio-based composite with significantly improved mechanical and thermal properties. These properties make the composite suitable for various automotive and structural applications.

Enhancement of mechanical properties of ramie and jute fibres reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: Influencing of SiC and Al2O3

Due to rising environmental awareness and dwindling oil supplies, many efforts have been made to replace synthetic fibres with plant fibre reinforced composites (PFRC). The need to eliminate plastics from everyday life has resulted in the development of a diverse range of eco-friendly natural-based composites for the automotive, chemical, and food packaging industries. PFRC plays an important role in the production of lightweight and cost-effective products. The current study looked at how different proportions of SiC/Al2O3 filler affected the mechanical properties of a plant fibre-based ramie/jute epoxy hybrid composite. By reinforcing a constant ramie (20 wt.%) and jute (10 wt.%) fibre with different proportions of SiC (2 –10 wt.%) and Al2O3 (0 –8 wt.%), hybrid composites were created using traditional stirring and compression moulding methods. The hybrid composite with 8% SiC and 2% Al2O3 (sample D) has higher tensile, flexural, hardness, impact, and interlaminar shear strength than the other combinations. The functional group of a nanoparticle-filled hybrid composite was evaluated using Fourier Transfer infrared Spectroscopy. Furthermore, SEM confirmed the excellent bonding of the viable hybrid composite combination’s filler, fibre, and matrix. According to the findings, a nano filler content of 8% SiC and 2% Al2O3 can improve mechanical properties and serve as a viable reinforcement in hybrid polymer composites for major engineering applications.

Characterization of Void Content, Tensile Strength, and Chemical Resistance in Hybrid Polymer Composites Reinforced with Oil Palm and Jute Fibers

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFBS) and jute fibres were used as outer and inner layers to create a tri-layer hybrid composite. Oil palm EFBS-jute composites were tested for void content, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. The research examined the 4:1 oil palm EFBS-jute weight ratio. Optimized fibre loading and stacking patterns were tested. The Jute-fibre/EFBS/Jute-fibre hybrid composites had the maximum tensile strength of 28.72 MPa and a lower void content of 3.18%. Both hybrid composites have superior chemical resistance compared to pure fibres. However, Jute-fiber/EFBS/Jute-fiber hybrid composites outperform EFBS/Jute-fiber/EFBS hybrid composites, showing an improvement of 5% to 30% under various chemical conditions.

Investigation of the effects of water uptake on the mechanical properties of wood dust particle filled Prosopis Juliflora reinforced phenol formaldehyde hybrid polymer composites

Abstract The water uptake behavior of Wood Dust (WD)/Prosopis Juliflora Fiber (PJF)/Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) hybrid composites which are immersed in distilled and seawater environments was evaluated. Three different composite samples were fabricated by reinforcing WD and PJF with PF resin. The fabricated specimens were immersed in sea and distilled water to note down the moisture content absorption of the specimens for different time intervals from 0 to 240 h. The dry and wet specimens underwent mechanical properties testing as per ASTM standards and the findings for wet and dry specimens have been compared and analyzed. It is observed that the specimens which are immersed in sea (salt) water absorb more moisture content than the specimen immersed in distilled water and the PJF-rich (30 wt% of PJF & 10 wt % of WD) specimen absorbs more water than the other specimens. The water uptake behavior of the WD/PJF/PF hybrid composite follows a non-Fickian behavior. The mechanical performance (tensile, flexural, and impact) of the 10 wt % of WD 30 wt % of PJF specimen was better than that of other specimens at dry (before immersion) conditions and lost strength when immersed in sea and distilled water. SEM analysis was also done on the broken surface of the tested specimens which were exposed to the water environment.

Experimental Study on Influence of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on Thermal Behavior of ABS & PETG Hybrid Polymer Composites

Polymer composites with enhanced thermal conductivity not only exhibit impressive heat transfer capabilities comparable to metals and ceramics but also preserve the inherent benefits of polymers, including their lightweight nature, ease of processing, and cost-effectiveness. These composites find extensive applications in aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and various other industries. Polymer-based composites incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were created, and the impact of different concentrations on the thermal stability of the resulting hybrid composite was examined. This study examines the way of behaving of PETG and ABS materials fabricated through 3D printing and built up with differing measures of carbon fibers (CF) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The study aims to shed light on the ways in which these materials improve polymer properties, focusing particularly on the beneficial effect of reinforcement on thermal behavior. Additionally, the influence of temperature on the thermal properties of hybrid polymer composites is briefly addressed. These findings underscore the significance of both the content and dispersion state of nanoparticles in shaping the thermal characteristics of such composites.

Methods and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Hybrid Composites and Hybrid Polymer Composites: Influence of Ionic Liquid Addition

Polymer hybrid composites and hybrid polymer composites are distinct but interconnected composite classes, each with unique compositions and design philosophies. The mechanical properties of these composites are vital in advanced materials due to their impacts on performance, durability, and suitability for various applications. The addition of ionic liquids into these composites is a promising innovation in advanced materials. In this short review, various polymer matrices (e.g., thermosets, thermoplastics, and biopolymers), fillers (e.g., inorganic, carbon, organic, and metal), and ionic liquids (e.g., imidazolium- and phosphonium-based) used to fabricate polymer hybrid composites and hybrid polymer composites with added ionic liquids are identified. Furthermore, the addition of ionic liquids into these composites through different methods (e.g., magnetic stirring, mechanical stirring, solid grinding, etc.) is discussed. The influence of ionic liquid addition on the mechanical properties, specifically the tensile properties of these composites, is also shortly reviewed. The changes in the tensile properties, such as the tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break, of these composites are explained as well. The information presented in this review enhances the understanding of the methods applied to add ionic liquids into polymer hybrid composites and hybrid polymer composites, along with their tensile properties. In short, some ionic liquids have the capacity to enhance the tensile properties of hybrid polymer composites, and several ionic liquids can reduce the tensile properties of polymer hybrid composites.

Physical, Thermal, and Mechanical Characterization of Ceramic (SiC) Filled Woven Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites

Physical, Thermal, and Mechanical Characterization of Ceramic (SiC) Filled Woven Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites

Influence of single and multi-walled CNT on the mechanical performance of glass fiber hybrid polymer composites

The structural materials of the twenty-first century have evolved with the inclusion of nano scale materials which can be utilized to improve the performances of the materials significantly. One of such widely adopted nano material is carbon nano tubes (CNTs) which can further be categorized as single walled and multi walled CNTs (SWCNT and MWCNT). Similarly, glass fiber reinforced polymer composites (GFRP) are a promising material for a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, aircraft components, boat hulls, wind turbine blades, and construction materials. Research by material designers continues to explore new avenues for further improving properties of GFRP composites by using nanomaterials and other advanced materials. In the present work, a new class of polymeric composite material is developed with different filler loading (i.e., 1% to 5% with a step of 1%) of single and multi-walled CNT with glass fiber as reinforcement phase. The tensile and flexural strengths of the hybrid nano composites were determined. The incorporation of CNT with glass fiber epoxy composites strengthened the matrix phase thereby enhancing the tensile and flexural strengths of the developed composites. Further, the obtained experimental findings outlined that the multi walled carbon nano tube filler provided optimum tensile and flexural strength among developed composites due to the better interphase bonding with multi walled structure of MWCNT filler structure. Further, the microscopic analysis of the fractured surfaces was conducted to analyze different mechanisms leading to failure of composite materials during loading.

Hybrid Polymer Composites for Structural Purposes

A review of foreign and domestic literature and practice on the use of polymer composites for structural purposes in the field of construction is carried out. The main factors hindering the widespread introduction of polymer composites in the construction sector have been identified: polymer composite profiles manufactured at the factories duplicate the shapes of profiles of metal analogues with isotropic mechanical properties; not all structural elements made of polymer composites meet the defining condition of strength testing according to the second limit state (for deformations), this leads to an increase in cross-sections, a decrease in the pitch of structural elements; problems related to insufficient information on durability, involving the use of overestimated values of the coefficients of the working conditions of the material due to insufficient knowledge of the properties and a significant spread of physical and mechanical characteristics; problems related to import substitution of polymer composite components. A scientific problem has been formulated, which consists in studying the mechanisms of formation of the adhesive strength of hybrid composites at the fiber-matrix interface, followed by the development of effective ways to regulate their condition in order to ensure a strong connection. The actual tasks, the solution of which needs to be concentrated in order to accelerate the process of introducing hybrid polymer composites for structural purposes, are presented

Fabrication and mechanical characterization of different stacking sequences of glass/flax embedded fibers into hybrid polymer composites

ABSTRACT This research paper aims to fabricate a new Hybrid Polymer Composite by employing novel strategies where the light weight of the composite plays a vital role along with excellent mechanical strength. These composites found a variety of applications in the fields of aerospace, medical equipment, railways, sports, etc. Six layers of Glass/flax fibers are embedded into an epoxy matrix reinforced with nano-ZnO with different weight compositions (0 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt% and 0.5 wt%) fabricated by employing compression molding and hand lay-up method in conjunction. The embedding of fibers is done by incorporating stacking order. The highest value of mechanical strength such as tensile, impact, flexural, interlaminar shear stress, and hardness was founded to be 239.29 MPa, 600.72 J/m 475.56 MPa, 45.12 MPa, and 85.26 at 0.3 wt% respectively which distinctly shows the enhancement of mechanical characteristics by incorporation of Glass/flax fiber along with nano-ZnO into epoxy matrix. Characterization of the material was performed through FESEM and XRD tests to verify its homogeneity. The best results were obtained in the GGFFGG stacking sequence of the hybrid polymer composites.

Application of Natural (Plant) Fibers Particularly Hemp Fiber as Reinforcement in Hybrid Polymer Composites - Part II. Volume of Hemp Cultivation, Its Application and Sales Market

ABSTRACT The paper is a second part of a multi-aspect analysis of whether it is feasible and practical to use (plant) natural fibers processed into fabrics and mats as homogeneous or hybrid reinforcement in polymer composites used in various industrial sectors. The paper presents the volume of hemp cultivation worldwide, in Europe and in Poland 2016–2022. It also sets out the percentage share of hemp application in nine industrial sectors. The presented statistics includes total volume of industrial hemp stalks market, which is a by-product of hemp farming in the main geographical regions of the world and in Poland. The paper gives examples of current sales of hemp at the USA market, with sales until 2022. The paper discusses the possibility of using industrial hemp as “noble reinforcement that is fully recyclable” of a new generation of polymer structural composites which can be applied in modern sectors of bulky structures, including sea-going vessels.

Performance of carbon fiber (CF)/Ceiba petandra fiber (CPF) reinforced hybrid polymer composites for lightweight high-performance applications

Natural and synthetic fibers have their own advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, hybridization was performed to combine the two fibers to get composite reinforcement with high mechanical properties. It is used to synergize the two fibers aiming to create a higher performance than that of natural fiber-reinforced composites. This study used carbon fiber and natural fiber namely Ceiba petandra fiber (CPF). Compared to hybrid and CPF reinforced composites, carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced composites had superior mechanical properties, especially in terms of tensile and flexural characteristics. However, it is more brittle and expensive. In contrast, CPF composite has the lowest tensile strength, flexural quality, and abundance. The optimal value was shown in CF/CPF reinforced hybrid composites with a composition of 15 % CF and 15 % CPF, with tensile and flexural strength reaching 130.16 ± 17.37 MPa and 98.53 ± 12.2 MPa. Hybrid composite improves the thermal stability of the composite. Findings showed that incorporating natural and synthetic fibers produced composite materials with acceptable and ideal mechanical performance.