Optimum Fiber Loading Research Articles

Material Selection of Natural Fibre Composite Webbing Sling Using Rule of Mixture

Natural fibre composites have grown in popularity as environmental concerns and knowledge about using eco-friendly materials versus synthetic materials. Furthermore, due to their low density and high strength, natural fibres are suitable for use as lightweight composite and reinforcing materials. Webbing slings are commonly used in many industries to lift loads and are typically made of synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester. This study analysed the physical and mechanical properties, such as density, tensile strength, and Young’s modulus of natural fibre composites. Bananas, pineapple, and jute with polymer matrices such as polypropylene (PP) and epoxy (EP) were used as alternative natural fibre composites for webbing sling application. Furthermore, descriptive statistical analysis was done to summarise the secondary data from the previous study of the physical and mechanical properties of natural fibre and polymer matrix. The rule of mixture (ROM) is used to identify the optimum fibre loading for manufacturing the webbing sling. This study’s volume fractions of fibre were 10%, 30%, and 50%. Using the ROM equation, the results revealed that the higher fibre loading of up to 50% could increase the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Based on the results, pineapple/epoxy composite was the best material to manufacture the webbing sling and complied with the requirements of Product Design Specifications of polyester webbing sling compared to banana and jute composites.

The Mechanical Performance of Polymer Concrete Incorporating Waste Tin Fibres

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world. It is now possible to construct structures out of concrete because this durable compound that consists of water, aggregate, and Portland cement not only gives us many scopes of design but also has a very high compressive strength at a low cost. This paper deals with alternative materials for the most common construction material, cement-based concrete and polymer concrete (PC), containing waste tin fibres. The study covers the fabrication of polymer concrete and the execution of three tests: compressive strength, flexural tensile, and splitting tensile. Tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the PC, and the results were analysed and evaluated on several PC specimens with different ratios of waste tin fibre. The results showed that using waste tin as fibre reinforcement in PC would substantially enhance the overall mechanical performance. Specifically, the optimum amount of waste tin as reinforcement in PC was 0.16% for compressive and splitting tensile strengths, while 0.20% was the optimum fibre loading for the flexural tensile strength. In this case, a positive outcome was found at a constant resin-to-filler ratio of 40:60 by volume and a matrix-to-aggregate ratio of 1:1.35 by weight.

Flammability and Soil Burial Performance of Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata (wurmb) merr) Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

This study investigates the effects of soil burial and flammability on sugar palm fibre (SPF) (Arenga pinnata (wurmb) merr)-reinforced epoxy composites. In order to determine the flammability and biodegradability properties, experiments are conducted in accordance with ASTM standards. The hand lay-up method was used to fabricate composite samples with two different weight ratios between epoxy and SPF, which were 70:30 and 50:50. Biodegradability and flammability properties were investigated using horizontal burning tests, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry, and soil burial. It was found that the Epoxy/SPF-50 was the composite that exhibited the fastest degradability at 0.81%/week. The result of the horizontal burning test showed that the addition of SPF reduced the burning rate but slightly increased it at 50 wt% because the ratio between epoxy and SPF exceeds the optimum fibre loading. The Epoxy/SPF-50 exhibited a better LOI value at 23.3 than pure epoxy (control), which was 19.8. From the cone calorimetry test, it was observed that the time to ignition (TTI) and total heat release (THR) values were decreased when the amount of SPF increased. Char production increases the flame-retardant protection of SPF-reinforced epoxy composites. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no published study has been conducted on the flammability and biodegradability characteristics of SPF-reinforced epoxy composites.

Influence of Counter-Face Grit Size and Lubricant on the Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Thermoplastic Polymers Reinforced with Glass Fibres

Thermoplastic composite materials are widely used for aerospace, automobile and structural applications due to their good combination of high strength to weight ratio and specific modulus. Combined with the ease of melt processing, good resistance to corrosion, low friction, and noise damping are attributes which make them a popular choice in a wide range of emerging applications. Random, short-fibre, E-glass fibre reinforced Polyamide 6 (PA6) composites were manufactured by injection moulding in three different fibre volume fractions (25%, 33% and 50%) and the samples were scanned using micro-CT. The tribological properties of PA6 and glass fibre reinforced PA6 were investigated in the abrasive wear mode by using a pin-on-disc test setup. The tests were done at an abrading distance of 257 m and applied load of 10 N. The abrasive wear experiments were performed against three abrasive grit size papers (220, 500 and 1000 grit), to ascertain the wear response of the studied materials with respect to these adverse running conditions. Moreover, the mechanical properties of PA6 and PA6 composites were examined using tensile testing and compression testing. The surface roughness of the worn surfaces was analysed using a 3D digital profilometer. The worn surface topographies were scanned using field emission scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the optimum fibre loading that was associated with the highest wear resistance was 33% volume fraction of glass fibres, and the wear performance deteriorated with higher fibre loadings. The increase in the grit size showed a significant reduction to the wear rates of all compositions. The results confirmed that the wear performance of polyamide composites is highly dependent on the tribological system under which it is being tested.Graphical

Effect of Fiber Loading on Thermal Properties of Cellulosic Washingtonia Reinforced HDPE Biocomposites

In this research work, we aim to study the effect of the incorporation of vegetable fiber reinforcement on the thermo-mechanical and dynamic properties of a composite formed by a polymeric matrix reinforced with cellulosic fibers with the various Washingtonia fiber (WF) loadings (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by wt%) as reinforced material in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Biocomposites to evaluate the optimum fiber loading of biocomposites. In addition, several characterization techniques (i.e., thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA)) were used to better understand the characteristics of the new composites prepared. With these techniques, we managed to verify the rigidity and thermal stability of the composites so elaborated, as well as the success of the polymer and the structural homogeneity of the obtained biocomposites. Hence, the biocomposite with the best ratio (HDPE/20WF) showed a loss modulus (E″) of 224 MPa, a storage modulus (E′) of 2079 MPa, and a damping factor (Tanδ) of 0.270 to the glass transition (Tg) of 145 °C. In addition, thermomechanical analysis (TMA) of the biocomposite samples exhibited marginally higher Ts compared to the HDPE matrix. The best results were recorded with biocomposites with 20% WF, which showed better thermal properties. This composite material can be used as insulation in construction materials (buildings, false ceilings, walls, etc.).

Exploring Properties of Short Randomly Oriented Rattan Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite for Automotive Application

ABSTRACT The acrylic acid treated rattan fiber reinforced epoxy (RF/Epoxy) composite has been fabricated by taking various weight percentages (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) of fibers using hand layup followed by compression molding technique. The optimum fiber loading has been determined by regression analysis and it is found that 18 wt% of rattan fiber gives maximum tensile strength. The interaction of rattan fiber with epoxy matrix has been studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been used to study the morphology of chemically modified rattan fiber and RF/Epoxy composite. The mechanical, thermal, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties of 18 wt% RF/Epoxy composite have been studied as per ASTM standards. From the results, it is observed that RF/Epoxy composite gives best properties at optimum (18 wt%) fiber loading. The maximum tensile strength and flexural strength of the composite are found to be 47.5 and 121 MPa, respectively, which is better in comparison to other natural fiber composites used for manufacturing different automobile body parts. Hence, it can be concluded that 18 wt% RF/Epoxy composite can be considered as a potential candidate for automotive body parts.

Calotropis gigantea bast fiber based epoxy composites for automotive application: An experimental study

AbstractThis research focuses on developing a new material by reinforcing chemically treated Calotropis gigantea bast fibers (CG) with epoxy resin as matrix. Composites using varying wt% of treated CG fibers were fabricated taking epoxy as matrix. The effect of chemical treatment and fiber loading on various mechanical properties, thermal, water absorption properties, and morphology using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were investigated. An increasing trend in the values of mechanical properties was observed till optimum fiber loading and then declines. The optimum properties were found at 20 wt% of fiber loading. At this fiber loading the composites were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TGA) and compared with untreated fiber reinforced composites and neat epoxy. When comparing untreated and treated composites, it was discovered that composites containing 20% treated CG fibers produce better outcomes. The findings provide manufacturers and engineers with a general concept of how to employ the composites to make low‐weight automotive parts for improved fuel efficiency.

Mechanical, thermal and microstructural studies of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene reinforced with rattan (Calamus beccarii) fiber composites

AbstractIn this research work, fibers from rattan plant stem (RA) were selected as reinforcing material with widely used thermoplastic polymer acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The extracted fibers were chemically modified with NaOH followed by benzoylation and bleaching. Then they were used as reinforcement in ABS polymer matrix by different weight percentages (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) for fabrication of composites. It was observed that chemical treatment changes the surface texture of the fibers enhancing the surface roughness which helps in proper fiber–matrix bonding. Various properties like static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal and morphological properties were investigated. The mechanical properties of the composites were observed to increase at beginning phase with increase in filler content till optimum (24 wt%) fiber loading and from there on declines. Highest tensile strength of 74.98 MPa, 4.80 GPa of young's modulus, 90. A total of 10 MPa of flexural strength and 31.42 kJ/m2 of impact strength were obtained at optimum fiber loading. Further characterizations in terms of Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) on composites with optimum fiber loading were conducted and compared with untreated composites. These fabricated composites can be an alternative material for automobile industries due to its high strength and low weight advantage.

Effect of chemical treatment and fiber loading on various properties of Bauhinia vahlii bast fibers/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites for automotive body parts

AbstractCurrently, automobile industries are paying more attention on fabricating light weight materials for making vehicle body parts. So lots of research work is been carried out on natural fibers owing to their light weight and eco‐friendly nature. In this current research, composites were fabricated by reinforcing treated Bauhinia vahlii bast fiber (BV) fibers with Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic polymer for making light weight automobile parts. Various properties like static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal as well as morphological properties were studied. To get a better compatibility with ABS matrix, surfaces of fibers were treated with various chemicals. An enhancement in mechanical properties was noticed with the increase in treated BV fiber loading till optimum (23 wt%) thereafter declines. The highest mechanical properties obtained at optimum fiber loading was recorded as 68.94 MPa of tensile strength, 7.02 GPa of young's modulus, 95.27 MPa of flexural strength and 33.25 kJ/m2 of impact strength. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for analysis. Overall, the results show that reinforcing ABS matrix with BV filler improves the characteristics of the manufactured composite materials effectively. It was found that composites fabricated from 23 wt% fiber content shows superior static and dynamic mechanical properties as well as thermal properties as compared with other fabricated composites and can be used for making lightweight automobile parts.

Development of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties for automotive industry application

AbstractIn this research, a newly explored natural fiber named sea purslane fiber (SP) was applied as a reinforcing material with widely used thermosetting polymer epoxy polymer. Chemical treatments on the fibers were done with NaOH followed by acrylic acid treatment. Reinforcing acrylic acid treated and untreated SP fibers at variable weight percentages of fiber loading, variety of composite samples (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) were developed. The mechanical characteristics of the composites were found to improve initially with increasing filler content until reaching the optimum (20 wt%) fiber loading, after which they began to fall. At 20 wt% filler loading various properties like physical & chemical (density, water absorption, X‐ray diffraction), mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact, micro‐hardness) and thermal (thermogravimetric analysis) properties were examined and compared with untreated fiber reinforced composites. It was noticed that the treated fiber composites reveal better result as compared with untreated fibers composites. The findings provide manufacturers and engineers with a broad concept of how to use this composite to reduce weight, particularly in automotive applications.

Untreated and chemically treated Pennisetum orientale grass fiber filled vinyl ester composites: Physical, mechanical, and thermal properties analysis

AbstractThe utilization of natural fibers rather than engineered filaments has turned into a subject of conversation in the composite industries. In this research, one of the natural fibers was synthesized from Pennisetum orientale grass and the surfaces were modified using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) chemically. Then they were used as reinforcement in vinyl ester polymer by different weight percentage (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt%) for fabrication of composites. At different filler loading various mechanical properties were evaluated and discussed. The mechanical properties of the composites were observed to increase at beginning phase with increase in filler content till optimum (25 wt%) fiber loading and from there on declines. The composite at optimum fiber loading were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and compared with untreated composites. The findings give manufactures and engineer a general idea to use this composite for weight reduction especially in automotive applications.

Effectiveness of Rattan Fiber as a Reinforcing Material in Polymer Matrix Composites: An Experimental Study

ABSTRACT It has been proposed that rattan fiber (RA) as reinforcement can be a promising candidate for the fabrication of composites. In present research, composites were fabricated by reinforcing rattan fibers with poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) matrix. Its various properties (mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties) were evaluated and compared with that with neat PVA. Surface treatments of fibers were carried out to have a better compatibility with PVA matrix. The mechanical properties were found to increase at the early stage with the increase in treated rattan fiber content till optimum (24 wt%) fiber loading and thereafter declines. At 24 wt% (optimum) fiber loading the mechanical properties obtained were 48.722 MPa of tensile strength, 45.72 MPa of flexural strength, 1.57 GPa of young’s modulus and 5.89 kJ/m2 of impact strength. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for analysis. The TGA inferred that the thermal stability of the composites increased as compared to neat PVA matrix. It was found that composites fabricated from 24 wt% fiber content shows superior mechanical properties as well as thermal properties as compared with other fabricated composites and can be used for making partition boards, light weight packaging boxes, and furniture.

Fabrication and Characterization of Acrylic Acid Treated Rattan Fiber Reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate Composites for Packaging Industries

ABSTRACT In the present work, treated and untreated novel RA reinforced PET thermoplastic polymer composites were developed. The fibers were chemically modified before fabrication of the composites to have a better fiber-matrix bonding. Thermo-mechanical properties of the composites were studied. An enhancement in mechanical properties were found at the beginning phase with the increase in treated rattan fiber content till optimum fiber loading (i.e 20 wt%) thereafter the properties decline. At 20 wt% fiber loading the mechanical properties obtained were 67.89 MPa of tensile strength, 83.29 MPa of flexural strength, 3.98 GPa of young’s modulus, and 24.18 kJ/m2 of impact strength. Different properties of the composites were thoroughly studied and the composites fabricated at 20 wt% of fiber content reveals excellent mechanical and thermal properties and found very much suitable for packaging applications.

Potential of using areca fibres in composite fabrication

Natural fibre composite fabrication has become an emerging field these days where the combination of different natural fibers and resins has been made and their properties are studied. This study is with respect to the potential of areca husk and sheath fibre reinforced epoxy composite at different fibre loadings. The surface modifications of the fibre with 1% alkali treatment improved the mechanical properties of husk and sheath fibre composites. The IR studies revealed the surface modification of the fibres after alkali treatment. Husk fibre showed optimum mechanical properties at 50% fibre loading and the sheath fibre showed optimum mechanical properties at 55% fibre loading. The tensile strength of husk and sheath composite is 14.85 N/mm 2 and 25.93 N/mm 2 respectively and the flexural strength is recorded as 1.37 N/mm 2 and 1.75 N/mm 2 respectively. In comparison with the strength of husk and sheath fibre composites, there is drastic increase in the mechanical property of sheath composites. Tensile strength for sheath fibres increased by 80.31% at optimum fibre loading which is 55% and the flexural strength increased by 14.5% respectively. Thus, the study reveals that in comparison with areca husk and sheath fibre composites, the sheath fibre composites has the greater potential and proves to be promising material in composite fabrication.

Development and assessment of Moringa oleifera (Sahajana) leaves filler/epoxy composites: Characterization, barrier properties and in situ determination of activation energy

AbstractThis study concerns with investigation and analysis of hugely available, cost effective filler, obtained by grinding the Moringa oleifera leaves and its reinforcement in epoxy composites for semi‐structural applications. In this work, this novel filler is characterized by compositional analysis, FTIR, AFM, SEM, XRD, and TGA, along with the calculation of activation energy from two integral methods. To understand the interfacial surface chemistry of the fiber, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is also carried out. The size of filler was kept at 300 to 500 μm, and composites were prepared with five different loadings ranging from 5% to 25% using hand layup method of fabrication. The effect of varying loadings of filler on water uptake, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of its epoxy composites has been evaluated. Composites possess improved water resistance, tensile and flexural strengths in comparison with neat epoxy for an optimum loading of 20%, that is, 37 MPa. FWO and KAS methods are used to calculate the apparent activation energy of fillers. The apparent activation energy calculated from these methods comes to be 220 and 222 kJ/mol. The crystallinity index comes to be 55% which is comparable with other fibers. Approximately 12% increment in tensile strength and 10% in flexural strength takes place compared with neat epoxy at optimum fiber loading of 20%.

Mechanical, Thermal, Void Fraction and Water Absorption of Silane Surface Modified Silk Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

ABSTRACT In this research, the silk fibers that were successfully extracted from silk cocoons using Na2CO3 were treated with silane coupling agent (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The silane treated and untreated silk fiber reinforced epoxy composites were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique. The effects of fiber loading and the presence of silane coupling agent on the mechanical, morphological, thermal, void fraction, and water absorption properties of the silk fiber reinforced epoxy composites were studied. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed presence of silane group on the surface of fiber. The void fraction and water absorption increased with increasing fiber loading for both untreated and silane-treated composites. However, the silane-treated composites displayed lower increment of both void fraction and water absorption in comparison to the untreated samples suggesting better properties. The impact, flexural and tensile properties of the treated composites exhibited better property enhancement compared to the untreated samples with optimum fiber loading was observed at 30 wt%. The presence of this coupling agent also increased the thermal properties of the composites in general. The morphological studies revealed good interfacial compatibility between fiber and matrix in the presence of silane coupling agent which consistent with the enhancement observed for impact properties.

Investigation and Fabrication of Thermo-mechanical Properties of Ceiba Pentandra Bark Fiber/Poly (Vinyl) Alcohol Composites for Automobile Dash Board and Door Panel Applications

ABSTRACT In the present study, Ceiba pentandra bark (CP) fibers, owing to their low weight-to-high strength ratio and recyclable features have been selected as reinforcement in thermoplastic polymer. i.e., poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA) for fabrication of composites to find its application in automobile dash board and door panel. The bark fibers were chemically modified with NaOH to enhance its bonding property with hydrophobic polymer. The mechanical properties increases at the early stage with the increase in fiber content till optimum (20 wt% of fiber) fiber loading following that it declines. The mechanical properties obtained at optimum fiber loading are 98.49 MPa of flexural strength, 32.01 kJ/m2 of impact strength, 85.92 MPa of tensile strength and 98.49 MPa of flexural strength. The composites were further characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy for analysis. The thermal stability of the composites increased as compared to neat PVA matrix which was concluded by TGA. 20 wt% fiber content composites were found to be highly suitable for making dash board and door panels by automotive industries as it reveals better mechanical as well as thermal properties compared with other fabricated composites.

Effects of Date Palm fibres loading on mechanical, and thermal properties of Date Palm reinforced phenolic composites

Present research work deals with the various date palm fibres (DPF) loading (0%, 40%, 50%, and 60% by wt%) as reinforced material in phenolic composites. DPF reinforced phenolic composite were manufactured by hand lay-up technique and characterized mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact), morphological, and dynamic mechanical properties to evaluate optimum fibre loading of composites. It is observed that incorporation of 50% DPF loading improved tensile modulus and impact properties but reduce tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus. Scanning electron microscope investigated the interfacial bonding of fibre and matrix in composites. Storage modulus of DPF composites improved and 50% DPF loading illustrated highest storage modulus. Loss modulus increased when DPF was reinforced, 40% fibre loading showed highest Tg for loss modulus but Tg of 50% fibre loading was very close to the composite with 40% fibre loading. Tan delta of DPF composites display low value whereas increasing the fibre loading, the Tg of damping factor were increased. The obtained results concluded that 50% DPF composites have better mechanical and thermal properties with better interfacial bonding between fibres and matrix. This material can be use as insulation material in buildings, false ceiling and walls.

The effect of fibre loading on the physical and mechanical properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre-reinforced biodegradable composites

Recently, research on the development of biodegradable material were performed. However, biodegradable materials have a crucial weakness in terms of mechanical properties, but it can be improved by adding reinforcement material as filler. In this study, Pineapple Leaf Fibre(PALF) was chosen as filler due to its many advantages, such as low cost, variety and redundant sources and bio-degradable. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of PALF fibre loading to the corn starch composites in terms of physical, mechanical and morphological properties. The samples were prepared at different fibre loadings: 5 wt%, to70 wt %, and were fabricated by using the hot press machine. The result showed that physical properties, such as density, water absorption and moisture content, were affected by different fibre loadings. Mechanical properties of the composite samples showed that PALF with 30 wt% gave the optimum tensile strength and modulus. Morphological analysis, composite samples of 30 wt% PALF fibre loading had fewer gaps between matrix and fibre. It can be concluded that 30 wt% of fibre loading is the optimum fibre loading for 3cm length PALF as compared to other composition ratios.

Development and study of properties of Moringa oleifera fruit fibers/ polyethylene terephthalate composites for packaging applications

Abstract Researchers are now focusing on the use of natural fiber polymer composites materials for packaging applications. It has been proposed that Moringa oleifera fruit fiber (MOF) as reinforcement can be a promising candidate for packaging applications. So in this current research, composites were fabricated by reinforcing treated moringa oleifera fruit fibers with Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoplastic polymer. Its mechanical, thermal and morphological properties were investigated. Surface treatments of fibers have been carried out to have a better compatibility with PET matrix. The mechanical properties have been found to increase at the early stage with the increase in treated moringa oleifera fiber content till optimum (20 wt% of fiber) fiber loading thereafter declines. At this fiber loading the mechanical properties obtained were 65.92 MPa of tensile strength, 98.49 MPa of flexural strength, 3.78 GPa of young’s modulus and 28.09 kJ/m2 of impact strength. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used for analysis. The TGA inferred that the thermal stability of the composites increased as compared to neat PET matrix. It was found that composites fabricated from 20 wt% fiber content shows superior mechanical properties as well as thermal properties as compared with other fabricated composites and can be used for packaging applications.