Hybrid Polymer Matrix Research Articles

Turning Discarded Agricultural Remnants and Poultry Waste into Usable Hybrid Polymer Matrix Reinforcements: An Experimental Study

The primary objective of the present study was to transform discarded agricultural remnants and poultry waste into value-added materials. Rice straw and chicken feathers are disposed of after their primary consumption into landfills or are incinerated, causing pollution and environmental threats. In this study, epoxy composites were fabricated using different volume proportions (5–45%) of these raw and alkali-treated remnants, and their mechanical strength was tested. The flexural strength of the rice straw composites and chicken feather composites initially decreased with the addition of fibers from 5 to 35 vol% and then the values increased when the fiber content was more than 35 vol%. The chicken feather composites showed increased impact strength with fiber addition. Alkali treatment of the rice straw resulted in improved flexural and impact strengths of the composites due to the removal of the waxy layer on the fiber surface, which was observed in the FTIR studies. Alkali treatment of the chicken feathers did not produce any significant change in the flexural strength of the composites, but their impact strength increased with fiber addition. Hybrid composites fabricated using rice straw and chicken feathers exhibited enhanced flexural and impact strength properties both with and without the alkali treatment, corroborating the synergistic effect of these fibers. SEM analysis of the fractured samples showed noteworthy interfacial adhesion between the fibers and matrix. This study presents a better method for converting these disposable materials into value-added usable materials and increasing their life cycle in the circular economy.

Structural, Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of MWCNT-PCS Hybrid Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites: An Extension Study of Graphene-Epoxy Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites

This study extends previous research on graphene-epoxy nanocomposites by investigating the thermal, mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced polycarbosilane (PCS) hybrid polymer matrix nanocomposites. Building on the foundational work that demonstrated the enhanced performance of graphene-epoxy nanocomposites, this research explores the potential of MWCNTs as a superior reinforcing agent within the PCS matrix. The MWCNT-PCS nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized using a comprehensive suite of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, specific gravity analysis and surface resistance measurements. The results indicate that MWCNT-PCS nanocomposites exhibit improved thermal stability, higher degradation temperatures, and enhanced thermal conductivity, along with significant improvements in mechanical strength and lower surface resistance, indicating superior electrical conductivity. Additionally, the chemical interactions between MWCNTs and the PCS matrix were analyzed to assess the dispersion and bonding quality, contributing to the overall performance of the nanocomposites. These findings suggest that MWCNT-PCS nanocomposites are promising candidates for high-performance applications in aerospace, where thermal stability, mechanical strength, electrical conductivity and chemical stability are critical. This paper not only confirms the benefits of MWCNT reinforcement but also provides a direct comparison with graphene-epoxy nanocomposites, underscoring the advancements made in this ongoing research.

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.

Studies on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Natural and Synthetic Based Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composites

Studies on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Natural and Synthetic Based Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composites

Electrical conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose doped by zinc oxide and hematite nanoparticles for optoelectronics devices

This research explores polymer nanodielectrics, a category of materials where nanoceramic fillers are incorporated into polymers. These hybrid materials are gaining significant interest because of their tunable optical and electrical characterization, making them potentially well-suited for applications in flexible optoelectronic and organic electronic devices. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), zinc oxide (ZnO), and hematite (Fe2O3) nanoparticles were utilized to fabricate PVA/CMC-ZnO/Fe2O3 films XRD analysis indicated a reduction in the crystalline character of the PVA/CMC blend following the doping of ZnO/Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). FTIR data approved the complexation between the PVA/CMC blend and the ZnO/Fe2O3, leading to a decrease in intermolecular interactions within the polymeric matrix and coordination with the ZnO/Fe2O3. Electrical analysis obtained an enhancement in σac values with the increase of ZnO/Fe2O3 NPs concentration up to 30 min of laser ablation times The findings from this study suggest the promise of these materials for applications in high-performance batteries, supercapacitors, or other next-generation energy storage and conversion devices.

High-Resolution X-ray Image from Copper-Based Perovskite Hybrid Polymer.

Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals (NCs) are considered to be promising materials due to their high photoluminescence efficiency, lack of lead toxicity, and X-ray responsiveness. However, during the crystallization process, NCs are prone to agglomeration and exhibit uneven size distribution, resulting in several light scattering that severely affect their imaging resolution. Herein, we successfully developed a high-resolution scintillator film by growing copper-based perovskite NCs within a hybrid polymer matrix. By leveraging the ingenious integration of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the size and distribution uniformity of Cs3Cu2I5 NCs can be effectively controlled. Consequently, a high spatial resolution of 14.3 lp mm-1 and a low detection limit of 105 nGy s-1 are achieved, and the scintillator film has excellent flexibility and stability. These results highlight the promising application of Cs3Cu2I5 scintillator films in low-cost, flexible, and high-performance medical imaging.

Stacking Sequence and Weight Fraction Effect on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Woven Jute and Woven Carbon-Jute Reinforced Polyester Composites

Hybrid composites are a category of composites in which more than one types of fiber are used to reinforce the matrix. In this work, the mechanical properties of jute woven & and carbon-jute woven reinforced polymer matrix hybrid composites were evaluated to assess a comparative study between the two configurations varying the stacking sequences. Specimens of composites were prepared by hand layup process. To observe the effect of fiber weight fraction on properties, two types of composites were made having matrix-fiber weight fractions of 85:15 & and 80:20. Moreover, by altering the stacking sequences of the composites, these properties were also examined for the carbon-jute reinforced polymer matrix composites. It was observed that a hybrid jute-carbon composite having a stacking sequence of j/c/j/c/j and weight fraction ratio of 80:20 exhibited a better tensile strength of 108.795(10.885) MPa and Young’s modulus of 6.052(0.489) GPa. Superior flexural strength of 150.41 (±7.501) MPa and flexural modulus of 6.845(±0.825) GPA were found in hybrid jute-carbon composite having stacking sequence of j/c/j/c/j/c/j/c/j that has a weight fraction ratio of 80:20. In both cases, better mechanical properties were found for hybrid composites with higher fiber content and having alternate stacking sequences.

Tribological properties optimization of nylon6 composites filled with SiC and Mica

Nylon is expanding tremendously on a global scale. This paper deals with the optimization of wear behaviour of nylon-6 hybrid polymer matrix composites. The composites were prepared with Nylon 6 as the matrix and SiC and Mica as the reinforcements. Twin screw extruder and injection moulding was used to fabricate the composites. Experiments were conducted on Pin on Disc apparatus. Reinforcement %, Sliding distance, Sliding speed and Load are the parameters used for the study. Experiments were designed using Taguchi and optimization was performed using Grey Relational Analysis.L9 orthogonal array was used. It was observed that 7.5 wt% of Mica, Load 5 N, 500 m sliding distance and 6 m/s Sliding speed were the optimum process parameter settings. Using SEM micrographs, the wear mechanisms of the worn discs were examined. Additionally, it was noted that some abrasive wear and very little adhesive wear had occurred on the Nylon 6 composites.

DFT modeling of new composite based on PANI/PVK functionalized With single-walled carbon nanotubes for optoelectronic applications

We present a comparative experimental and theoretical study of the vibrational, optical, and electronic properties of polyaniline at both emeraladine leuco-emeraldine forms and PVK. Our objective is first to select the appropriate form of PANI to be linked with PVK to form a hybrid polymer matrix. Then, on the basis of quantum chemical calculations, we present a theoretical study of a hybrid composite PANI/PVK functionalized with lower radius (5, 5) chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The relationship structure-properties of the resulting nano-composite are proved based on the conformational and optical study made from Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) using B3LYP method with 6-31-G(d) basis set. First, it has been demonstrated that the resulting interaction between PANI and PVK leads to more advantageous properties, such as good optical absorption compatibility with the solar emission spectrum. It has also been found that after the incorporation of SWCNTs into the matrix of PANI/PVK hybrid polymer, a good organization of SWCNTs via π-staking interaction is imposed by polyaniline sequences. However, PVK moieties are grafted on the sidewalls of SWCNTs. Finally, the electronic structure of the resulting hybrid nano-composite PANI/PVK/SWCNTs was carried out with the use of different electrodes on both sides.

Sustainable Routed Mxene-Based Aminolyzed PU/PCL Film for Increased Oxidative Stress and a pH-Sensitive Drug Delivery System for Anticancer Therapy.

A remarkable challenge in the anticancer drug delivery system is developing an implantable system that can improve the chemotherapeutic effect. Polyurethane is an excellent implantable substrate, with flaws in hydrophobicity. We modified polyurethane via the chemical aminolysis technique to enhance the wettability and protein interaction. The created pores can release the rutin complex incorporated in the polyurethane matrix. In this work, the hybrid polymer matrix consists of Mxene synthesized via a sustainable and simple method by introducing a toxic-free MAX phase and etchants. The incorporation of Mxene and PCL can enhance physicochemical and biological compatibility. Sustainable Mxene increases oxidative stress, cell death, and antibacterial activity, which also resulted in the Mxene@APU/PCL film. Meanwhile, the drug release with respect to pH sensitivity was demonstrated in which Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed the highest release at pH 5.2; this indicates that the prepared Mxene and aminolyzed polyurethane can function according to the biological system and release the drug from the polymer matrix on slow degradation and swellability. The Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed 93.2% drug release with oxidative stress on THP-1 cells, which causes rupturing and apoptosis of cancerous cells. The Mxene@APU/PCL film can show great potential in future implantable anticancer drug delivery systems.

Combinatorial Effect of Doxorubicin Entrapped in Alginate-Chitosan Hybrid Polymer and Cerium Oxide Nanocomposites on Skin Cancer Management in Mice

Conventional chemotherapeutic drugs are used for cancer management, but recently nanoparticles have also been shown to contribute towards controlling cancer cell proliferation. In the present study, we focussed on analyzing the combinatorial effect of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles and Doxorubicin (Dox) on melanoma cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We entrapped CeO2, Dox, and CeO2+Dox in a hybrid polymer matrix of alginate and chitosan (Alg-Cs) and used them in both in vitro and in vivo studies to compare their anticancer effect. Scratch assay using A549 lung cancer cells showed delayed wound healing when exposed to a low and high dose of CeO2 +Dox, compared to individual components. In order to determine a safe dose of the nanoformulations, zebrafish embryos were used. Further, in vivo, testing was done on Swiss albino female mice where the melanoma was induced by applying Benzopyrene followed by UV irradiation. The animals were treated with CeO2, Dox, and CeO2+ Dox that were entrapped in Alg-Cs for further 21 days. From both in vivo and in vitro results, we concluded that CeO2 and Dox in combination had superior therapeutic efficiency in cancer cells and animals than the nude drugs.

Experimental investigation on mechanical properties and water absorption capacity of novel polyester-wool-glass fibre-reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composites

Experimental investigation on mechanical properties and water absorption capacity of novel polyester-wool-glass fibre-reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composites

Influence of addition of Al2O3 and SiC on tensile and flexural characteristics of epoxy/glass fiber hybrid polymer composite

In today's world, hybrid polymer matrix composite is an extremely important component in manufacturing automobiles, aircraft, and sporting goods. This research paper describes the development of epoxy-based hybrid polymer composites (HPC) through a hand-lay technique. Hybrid polymer composite consists of Epoxy resin, E-glass fiber as reinforced materials, and Al2O3/SiC as filler material. The fabrication of a hybrid polymer composite with an equal proportion of Al2O3/SiC during which epoxy resin and hardener are mixed in 10:1 proportion. The tensile and flexural strength were investigated in this study. Experiment findings show that composite with four wt.% of Al2O3/SiC has optimum tensile and flexural behavior. It has an ultimate tensile strength of 170.84 MPa and flexural strength of 162.56 MPa, which is desirable in applications where epoxy-based composites are typically utilized, such as in tennis and badminton rackets.

Selected technical ceramics as nanoreinforcement for polyvinyl butyral/epoxy polymer composites

In this study, various technical ceramics in the form of nanostructures, known for their exceptional mechanical properties and thermal resistance, were analysed as potential reinforcement of a polymer matrix system. A combined, hybrid composite matrix was considered, consisting of epoxy resin and polyvinyl butyral. The following nanostructures were incorporated into the polymer matrix by ultrasonication and solvent-casting technique: B4C, TiB2, CNT and INT-WS2. Polymer composites were prepared by solvent-casting of neat hybrid polymer matrix and polymer matrix reinforcing with each chosen individual nanostructure from a temporary solvent – ethanol. The characterisation of the obtained polymer composite samples encompassed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test, hardness measurement and examination of resistance to cavitation wear.

Study of the Mechanical Properties of Bamboo and Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composites

Study of the Mechanical Properties of Bamboo and Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composites

Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of bamboo/carbon fiber reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composites

Natural fiber composites are gaining popularity in various fields such as aerospace, automotive, and interior design due to their biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and wide availability. Hybrid composites, which utilize both natural and synthetic fibers as reinforcement, are becoming more prevalent due to the desirable properties of each. Natural fibers possess strong damping properties and are biodegradable, while synthetic fibers have good elastic modulus. This research aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of bamboo and carbon fiber reinforced hybrid composites through tensile, flexural, and Izod tests. Hybrid composites exhibited 74.53% higher tensile strengths, 41.47% higher flexural strengths, and 182.24% higher impact strength than bamboo fiber reinforced composites. Carbon fiber reinforced composites had superior mechanical properties compared to hybrid and bamboo fiber reinforced composites, especially in terms of tensile and flexural characteristics. The study concludes that combining natural and synthetic fibers leads to composite materials with acceptable mechanical performance.

Hybrid polymer matrix development using cashew nut shell liquid as an additive into epoxy resin

ABSTRACT The maximal exploitation of naturally existing resources for the synthesis of polymers can be an apparent choice when environmental and economic concerns are taken into account in enterprises producing new generations of hybrid polymers. Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is one of the most promising alternatives for incorporating it as an additive into epoxy resin due to the availability of similar functional groups in both CNSL and epoxy for an identical or even superior set of performance characteristics. A novel hybrid polymer cast (HPC) has been developed by mixing different weight percentages of epoxy and CNSL along with 2.5 wt.% of Al particles as reinforcement and amine-based hardener. The mechanical and thermal behaviors have been examined using Scanning Electron Microscope, Thermogravimetric analysis, Universal Testing Machine, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The availability of the functional groups of CNSL and epoxy has been confirmed using SEM-EDS and FTIR. Mechanical characterization of the HPC with 30 wt.% CNSL reveals higher flexural strength, strain rate, and impact strength than other HPCs. When adding Al particles, the brittle behavior decreases due to the enhancement of bonding. Thermal analysis of HPC with 40 wt.% of CNSL exhibits lower residual mass without affecting its thermal stability.

Free vibration of porous graphene oxide powder nano-composites assembled paraboloidal-cylindrical shells

The vibration behavior of porous nano-composite Assembled Paraboloidal-Cylindrical Shell (APCS) structures is evaluated in the present study. In detail, Graphene Oxide Powder (GOP) nanomaterials are served to improve the mechanical features correlated with porous polymer and metal matrices in order to build a Hybrid Polymer Matrix (HPM) and Hybrid Metal Matrix (HMM). For this purpose, the Halpin-Tsai and Rule of Mixture methods are employed to determine the mechanical features associated with the HMM and HPM. In addition, the First Shear Deformation Hypothesis (FSDH) is combined with Hamilton’s principle to determine the governing equations of APCSs, which are then discretized and solved according to the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) approach. Next, the eigenvalue strategy is implemented to determine the frequency responses of porous nanocomposite APCS structures, whose results are successfully compared to predictions from classical finite elements. Some novel examples are organized and solved to examine the impact of the geometrical and mechanical characteristics on the natural frequencies of porous nanocomposite APCS structures. As beneficial results: FGX and FGO distributions of GOPs throughout the thickness direction for porous HMM and HPM nanocomposite APCS yield the highest and lowest values related to the minimum frequency regarding C-C BC, while these values were determined to couple with the FGV and FGA related to the C-F and F-C BCs. An increased porosity level reduced the overall stiffness of the APCS and frequency response. Subsequently, frequencies related to a non-porous HPM nanocomposite APCS were significantly higher than those from porous nanocomposite APCS. The model of the porosity and values related to the porosity models did not cause to change in the CWN that the minimum frequency happened in.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Polymer Composite: An Experimental Approach

Hybrid Polymer composites have recently emerged as one of the most important fields for researchers owing to their weight reduction benefits, corrosion resistance, design flexibility, manufacturing developments, multidiscipline applications, and sustainability. There are many types of hybrid polymer composites, one of which is made up of combining natural polymers and synthetic polymers and the other which is made up of combining natural-natural polymers. Hybrid composites also consist of nanocomposites, molecular composites, nanomaterials, and mesoscopic materials. In present study, hybrid polymer matrix composites reinforced with copper particulate were prepared using polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate plus ABS. Injection moulding process employed to synthesize the hybrid polymer composite. Tensile strength, electrical conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient were measured as per the ASTM D638, ASTM D 257 and ASTM D 696, respectively. 50% Copper + 50% Polycarbonate outperform other combinations in terms of tensile strength, electrical conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was also used to understand the homogenous mixture of hybrid polymer composites.

Post buckling responses of carbon nanotubes’ fiber reinforced and nanoclay modified polymer matrix hybrid composite plate under in-plane buckling load using the higher order shear deformation theory

The buckling response of carbon nanotubes’ fibers (CNTs’ fibers) reinforced and nanoclay modified polymer matrix hybrid nanocomposite plates under in-plane buckling loads (IBLs) is studied using the efficient finite element method (FEM) based on a higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT). The conventional carbon fibers are reinforced in polymer matrix materials of cross-ply and angle-ply CNTs’ fibers reinforced and nanoclay modified polymer hybrid nanocomposite plates. The material properties are discussed using modified Halpin-Tsai relationships. An interactive MATLAB program based on FEM is developed to evaluate the critical buckling load (CBL) of a hybrid nanocomposite plate through a minimum potential energy approach. The hybrid nanocomposite plates subjected to in-plane buckling loads (IBLs) are studied in detail for their linear and nonlinear responses with respect to the critical buckling load (CBL) and variations in (a) load ratio of the laminated hybrid plate, (b) amplitude ratio, (c) carbon nanotubes’ fibers and nanoclays’ particles, (d) inplane buckling loads such as uniaxial, biaxial, shear, uniaxial with shear, and biaxial with shear, (e) stacking sequences, (f) buckling modes, and (g) length-to-diameter ratio. The results of the simulations are in fairly good agreement with the previously published sources.