Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Research Articles

Influence of the stacking on mechanical and physical properties of jute/banana natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

Influence of the stacking on mechanical and physical properties of jute/banana natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

Investigation on natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composite is playing a vital role in advanced manufacturing process. The present investigation deals with ultrasonic drilling on the synthesized gelatin natural fiber composite. Lapox and screw pine fiber is considered as the reinforced matrix to the gelatin polymer. Hardness, tensile strength and impact strength is evaluated in the composite. Power rating, slurry concentration and grit size is used to evaluate the rate of metal removal of the composite. Taguchi approach is analyzed to optimize the rate of metal removal. The mean of SN ratio plot is used to study the optimal solution and correlation between the process factors.

An experimental study on two body abrasive wear behavior of natural fiber reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composites using Taguchi analysis

In earlier days the synthetic fibre composite material was considerably used for the secondary structures of automobile and aircrafts. But by knowing the performance at critical and elevated conditions natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites have been receiving considerable attention as the attribute for synthetic fiber reinforced composites for its functional efficiency, tailorable properties and strength to weight ratio. In the present study, abrasive wear behavior of natural fibre reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composite was carried out using pin-on-disc wear testing rig for abaca, basalt and hybrid abaca- basalt fibre reinforced epoxy using L9 orthogonal array. The tests were carried out on silicon carbide paper with a grit size of 320 µm with varying parameters of Load, Speed, and Time. From the obtained results, it is concluded that the optimal parameters for minimum weight loss is observed at load 10 N, speed 200 rpm and time of 10 min for basalt fibre reinforced epoxy composite and the maximum weight loss is observed for abaca fibre reinforced epoxy composite at load 30 N, 300 rpm and time of 20 min. The results also reveal that the material composition is the most influencing factor affecting the weight loss of the specimen followed by load, time and speed for the adopted testing conditions.

Development of Sustainable Jute/Epoxy Composite and Assessing the Effect of Rubber Crumb on Low Velocity Impact Response

ABSTRACT In the current study, the experimental assessment of influence of rubber crumb on the low velocity impact (LVI) behavior of jute epoxy composites are carried out using two types of impactors namely hemispherical and conical. Hand layup technique is used to fabricate the proposed composites. The rubber crumb is incorporated in the epoxy resin with 1.5 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%. Results revealed that incorporation of 3 wt% of rubber crumb resulted in better LVI response compared to its counterparts. Fractography studies revealed that inclusion of rubber crumb particles enhances the adhesion between resin and fiber, thereby increasing the energy absorption. In addition, they aid in reducing damage area and increasing penetration threshold of proposed composites. The current study’s systematic technique serves as a model for the efficient use and conversion of waste rubber crumb into usable natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites for LVI applications.

Theoretical models for stiffness prediction of short fibre composites

The short natural fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites are a good cost-effective option in a multitude of non-structural applications. The estimation of elastic moduli of such composites is important during the initial design phase. In this work, a brief introduction to the theoretical models to determine elastic moduli of short fibre composites is presented. Various theoretical models like Halpin-Tsai model, Mori-Tanaka model with fibre orientation averaging, alongwith the rule-of-mixtures and the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds are employed to obtain the elastic properties of composites. Although some of these models have been used for short glass fibre composites, in this study, the applicability of these models to natural fibre composites has been explored. The elastic properties obtained from the theoretical model are compared with experimentally obtained values of injection moulded short jute fibre-polypropylene composites from our other work. The model which satisfactorily results in better elastic property predictions of short fibre composites amongst the presented theoretical models has been highlighted. It has been observed that the fibre orientation averaging is imperative to account for random fibre orientation and yield better elastic property predictions.

Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermal analysis of untreated Coccinia indica fiber composites

A natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites (FRCs) was prepared by the compression molding method. The natural fiber named Coccinia indica (CI) was employed to fabricate FRCs. The impact of fiber length on storage modulus, loss modulus and loss of weight in the FRCs were determined using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed that a fiber length of 40 mm shows better storage modulus and nominal loss modulus owing to the higher interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix. In other investigated fiber lengths, the storage modulus is poor and loss modulus is high, which is due to inefficient stress transfer.

Study on effect of process parameters on tensile properties of compression molded natural fiber reinforced polymer composites

Recently natural fiber reinforced polymer composites are highly employed in the automotive, construction and packaging industrial sectors. Hence, there is huge demand for mechanical property improvement of these natural fiber reinforced polymer composite materials. Desired improvements in mechanical properties can be achieved by optimizing the process parameters while fabricating the composites. In the present experimental endeavor an attempt has been made to fabricate natural fibre reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) with the objective of developing the PMCs with improved tensile property using the compression moulding process. The knowledge of process parameters such as heating temperature (T), compressive pressure (P) and molding time (t) of the polymer sheets and the developed composites are necessary to make a part of improved mechanical properties. The processing parametric conditions and techniques for the fabrication of the composite have been identified by measurements of tensile properties and micrograph image observation.

Experimental investigation on dynamic mechanical and thermal characteristics ofCoccinia Indicafiber reinforced polyester composites

Due to superior material properties of fiber reinforced composites, they are utilized in many structural fabrications. Even though many studies have been reported about various fiber reinforced composites, it is indeed to find more eco-friendly composites for modern applications. So, developing the new fiber reinforced composites and revealing its mechanical properties are vital. In this examination, the natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite was prepared by compression molding method. The natural fiber named as Coccinia Indica was used to fabricate the fiber reinforced composites. The impact of different fiber length on dynamic mechanical properties like loss modulus, storage modulus, and loss of weight in fiber reinforced composites was predicted using dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The outcomes revealed that fiber length of 30 mm shows better values in storage modulus and nominal loss modulus owing to higher interfacial bonding among fiber and matrix. However, in other fiber lengths, the storage modulus depicts poor result and high loss modulus is due to inefficient stress transfer.

Strength and fracture behaviour of polymer matrix composite layered structures made by additive manufacturing

In this paper, studies on the tensile strength, fracture initiation and propagation behaviour of composite material layered shell structures manufactured by extrusion based additive manufacturing (AM) is reported. To understand the basic mechanical behaviour, simple tension tests have been conducted on ASTM-D638 specimens of carbon fiber and natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites made by AM in different modes as well as directly in filament form using a filament extruder. The tensile strengths reveal that the internal defects unique to additive manufacturing, such as lack of fusion (LOF) sites and voids, play crucial role in the macroscopic fracture. Based on the tensile test results, finite element analysis of shell structures typical of below-knee prosthetic sockets has been conducted to predict the fracture initiation sites and propagation paths. The analysis results have shown close correlation with the experimental observation of the fracture phenomenon in the prosthetic sockets given to pilot test amputees.

Effect of Fiber Loading on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Uniaxial Long Kenaf Bast Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

In the recent years, due to environmental awareness of general public, researchers and scientists directed towards the use of natural fibers reinforced composites as environmentally friendly. Now a days, many scientists, researchers and engineers have explored the extraction, properties and utilization of natural fibers as economically and effectively as possible to produce good quality natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. Many scientists and researchers proved that increase in fiber loading resulted in increased mechanical properties of the composite material. This will be the basis to develop and to evaluate properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. In this research, Kenaf long fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites were successfully fabricated by simple and cost effective hand layup technique and their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, hardness with different fiber loading were successfully investigated. Water absorption capacity was also reported. The fibers are treated with NaoH solution for surface modification and to improve mechanical properties. The specimens are prepared according to ASTM standard and experiments were carried out.

Effect of chemical treatments on properties of raffia palm (Raphia farinifera) fibers

Chemical treatment is used to improve interfacial bonding of natural fibers to polymers to produce natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites with enhanced mechanical properties. In the present study, raffia palm (Raphia farinifera) fibers intended for use in composite manufacture was subjected to chemical treatments with NaOH and H2SO4 solutions. Morphological, thermal, tensile, physical and structural changes in the fibers before and after treatment were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, universal testing machine and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Chemical treatment reduced the tensile strength of the fibers. Some non-cellulosic components were partially or fully removed as a result of chemical treatment. There was an increase in the degradation temperature of the fibers due to chemical treatment. Water absorption capacity of the fibers decreased as a results of chemical treatment, which will be beneficial in composite synthesis.

Structural analysis of natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

The conventional structural material used in construction industries like aluminum, wood and steel are depleting now a day. In this work an attempt has been made to fabricate a hybrid natural fiber composite material reinforced with vinyl ester resin. Composite are made-up with various volume percentage of Sisal and Luffa fiber by compression molding. The mechanical behavior of composite material such as tensile, impact test and flexural test are carried out as per ASTM standard. The ANSYS analyzed result shows that the mechanical properties of the composite materials have a good agreement with the conventional structural aluminum material.

Short Review on Conductive Polymer Composites as Functional Materials

Conductive polymer composites start to gain its attention towards many industries. Widely, it is used in producing electrical components such as microchips and semiconductor electronics. Most of the highly conductive polymer composites are used to produce solar panels, which convert thermal energy into electrical energy to generate electricity. It can also diffuse heat faster to avoid overheating of components that can cause degradation of the composites in the component. Thus, this short review describes the various effects that affect the thermal conductivity of natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites with additions of metallic filler. The outcome of this short review helps identify the important keys that influence the conductive polymer composites as functional materials.

Moisture Diffusion along the Layered Fibre Matrix Composites with Different Fibre Orientations

The diffusion of moisture is an environmental factor that limits the durability of polymer composites considerably in the wet/moist environments. The present paper examines the diffusion of moisture along and across through the unidirectional natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. A number of three dimensional models with different fiber orientations have been used to analyze moisture diffusion along and across the fibers. Fickian moisture diffusion theory has been used to model the mass transport along the considered composite domains. It is observed that there are several orientation of fiber that can impede the moisture ingress, whereas some of the counterpart configurations do not produce the favorable results and hence those kind of configurations can be avoided. The analysis should be helpful in designing moisture durable fiber matrix architectures.

Charpy impact tenacity of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with aligned jute fibers

Natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites are gaining attention as engineering materials for advanced applications, including components of high performance ballistic armors. This requires superior mechanical properties, such as tenacity. Composites reinforced with jute fiber are currently being investigated as possible advanced engineering materials. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the impact resistance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with up to 30vol% of continuous and aligned jute fibers. This evaluation was performed by measuring the Charpy absorbed impact energy of standard ASTM notched specimens. The results indicated a significant increase in the absorbed impact energy with the volume fraction of jute fibers. The microstructural mechanism related to this performance was revealed by scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the analysis of the fuel efficiency in the automobile industry with the utilization of Natural Fiber Polymer Composites (NFPC)

A systematic method of material analysis aiming for fuel efficiency improvement with the utilization of natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites in the automobile industry is proposed. A multi-factor based decision criteria with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used and executed through MATLAB to achieve improved fuel efficiency through the weight reduction of vehicular components by effective comparison between two engine hood designs. The reduction was simulated by utilizing natural fiber polymer composites with thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) as the matrix polymer and benchmarked against a synthetic based composite component. Results showed that PP with 35% of flax fiber loading achieved a 0.4% improvement in fuel efficiency, and it was the highest among the 27 candidate fibers.

Effects of Fibre Configuration on Mechanical Properties of Banana Fibre/PP/MAPP Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite

Natural fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite (PMC) is one of the advanced technologies developed in the materials engineering industry. Amongst the advantages of natural fibre reinforced PMC are biodegradable, recyclable, lightweight, low production cost, and readily available. Therefore, natural fibre reinforced polymer composites have been used for many applications such as automotive components, aerospace parts, sporting goods and building industry. In this research, high performance polypropylene (PP) composites, using continuous banana fibre as reinforcement with polymer to fibre by weight percent ratio of 70:30, were developed. This research aims to investigate the effects of different configurations of continuous banana fibre reinforcement on mechanical properties of the composite materials. Coupling agent, which is maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) is added to the composites to improve bonding between the polymer matrix and the natural fibre. To further improve the PMC's mechanical properties, banana fibre's configurations are varied, in which their performance are tested. The banana fibre is varied by three different configurations; raw banana fibre, banana fibre yarn, and banana fibre mat. Mechanical properties of the composite samples were assessed using tensile and flexural testing in accordance to ASTM D638 and ASTM D790, respectively. Microstructural analysis was performed by using scanning electron microscope to explain the failure mechanisms and behavior of the composites. This study has enabled ranking of different banana fibre configurations towards mechanical properties of the natural fibre reinforced thermoplastic-based composites. Morphology examination of the fracture surfaces confirmed failure mechanisms and explained why one fibre configuration is superior to the others.

UV radiation effect towards mechanical properties of Natural Fibre Reinforced Composite material: A Review

The use of natural fibres as reinforcement material have become common in human applications. Many of them are used in composite materials especially in the polymer matrix composites. The use of natural fibres as reinforcement also provide alternative solution of usage instead of being a waste materials. In some applications, these natural reinforced polymer composites were used as the outer layer, making them exposed to ultra violet exposure, hence prone to UV radiation. This paper reviews the effect of UV radiation towards the mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite material. The effect of chemical treatment towards the natural fibre is also investigated. One of the important features that was critically explored was the degradation of the composite materials. The influence of UV radiation on the degradation rate involve several parameters such as wavelength, intensity and exposure time. This review highlights the influence of these parameters in order to provide better solution for polymer matrix composite’s development.

Effect of time at temperature for natural fibres

The manufacture of natural fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites is generally assumed to be limited to temperatures not exceeding 200°C. However, given the covalent bonding in the various constituents of natural fibres, they should retain properties to an extent dependent on the time at temperature. This study considers fibre mechanical properties after heating in air for various temperatures and times.

Determination of Stress Intensity Factor of Banana Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composite Using Finite Element Method

In the current scene on material field, designers are focusing on the development of lightweight, high strength, recyclable and environment friendly materials. Due to increasing environmental admiration, ecological concerns and new statutory laws, natural fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites have found increasing attention from the recent decades. Past studies show that synthetic and natural fibres such as glass, carbon, jute, coir etc., have been used in fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite. In this work, banana fibre is used as reinforcement. An investigation is carried out to make use of banana fibre made hybrid polymer matrix composite. Bio-degradable polymer like Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) in different percentage is used with General Purpose (GP) resin to make a hybrid polymer matrix. This work intends to study the fracture analysis of composite by using experimental and Finite Element methods. The critical stress intensity factor (KIC or critical SIF) has been evaluated and validated.