Polyester Hybrid Composites Research Articles

Mechanical characterization and study on morphological properties: Natural and agro waste utilization of reinforced polyester hybrid composites

Eco-conscious products are currently garnering significant attention due to their abundant availability and versatile applications in various engineering contexts. The distinctive properties of natural fibers make them readily substitutable for synthetic fibers. A substantial one million tonnes of fiber waste, primarily composed of paddy straw fiber, is generated globally. The research emphasis revolves around the adoption of the Waste to Wealth technique, a highly efficient process aimed at repurposing waste materials. This approach plays a pivotal role in curbing air pollution, specifically by preventing the incineration of the residual portion of paddy straw fiber on agricultural lands. The study involves the collection of paddy straw fiber from agricultural fields, with subsequent extraction facilitated by an extracting machine. Employing a chemical treatment process enhances the adhesion properties between the fiber and matrix. Consequently, comprehensive fiber tests, including the single fiber test, fiber tenacity, and fiber fineness, were meticulously examined for both treated and untreated fibers. The reinforcements and matrix were taken by the weight percentage of 50:50 with different fiber length (25, 50, 75, 100 mm) using the compression moulding machine with 300 mm × 300 mm × 3 mm dimensions. After making the laminates, the samples were cut as per the ASTM standard. The mechanical and morphological behavior of the hybrid fiber-reinforced polyester composites were evaluated, and the water absorption property in the concerned laminates was studied.

Performance analysis of Jute/Kenaf fiber polyester hybrid composites for non-structural applications

Performance analysis of Jute/Kenaf fiber polyester hybrid composites for non-structural applications

Influence of various environments on the mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced S‐glass/sisal hybrid polyester composites

AbstractThis investigation aims to study the influence of various environments, such as groundwater, seawater, mineral water and sub‐zero, on reinforced polyester/S‐glass/sisal composites with nano clay (NC). Composites with a configuration of S‐glass/sisal/sisal/S‐glass (GSSG) with different wt% of NC, such as 0, 2, 4, and 6, were manufactured using the hand lay‐up method. For 6 days, the composites were conditioned in different environments like seawater, mineral water, groundwater at room temperature, and sub‐zero environments at −17°C. The influence of these environments on the tensile and flexural properties of manufactured composites was studied. Composites with 4% NC displayed higher tensile strength, while composites with 2% NC exhibited maximum flexural strength for all the environments. It was perceived that the weight gain was maximum in seawater (0.1857 g) and minimum in mineral water (0.06 g) and sub‐zero (0.101 g) conditions for 6% NC condition. Tensile and flexural strengths were reduced by 27% and 24% when samples were submerged in seawater compared to other environments. TEM images for 4 wt% of NC and 6 wt% of NC were studied for dispersions of NC in Polyester, and the effect of NC mixing with polyester was understood for the hybrid polymer composites.Highlights A novel hybrid composites were fabricated using a double stirring process. The ultra‐sonication led to uniform distribution of nanoparticles. The mechanical properties and the effect of environments on these properties are studied. SEM images revealed the aging due to various environments. The hybrid composites can store mineral water and the sub‐zero environment.

Development and characterization study of bagasse with stubble reinforced polyester hybrid composite

In the present day, recycling and reducing environmental pollution are the primary objectives of sustainable development. A lot of experts are considering the possibility of creating a new composite technology with waste materials. This work aims to investigate the effects of waste material on mechanical and hydrophobic properties, with a particular focus on bagasse fiber with stubble. The tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties of bagasse with stubble polyester composite were investigated to see if it may be used as a novel material in various engineering applications for a longer life. To improve the impact resistance of the composite, bagasse fibers is mixed in different ratios with polyester and stubble as infill. Additionally, a very tiny amount of TiO2 was added to every sample. Tensile, flexural, and impact mechanical properties were assessed using the Universal Testing Machine, the Rockwell Hardness Testing Machine, and the Izod Impact Test. Samples were hand-set out using varying weight ratios of binder, filler, and fiber. The study's findings demonstrated that the sample with a higher percentage of bagasse fiber demonstrated better mechanical and hydrophobic qualities as compared to the neat and other samples. It is an economical, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible option for a variety of applications.

Effect of fish scale powder addition on the mechanical and free vibration properties of jute/carbon fibers reinforced hybrid polyester composites

Effect of fish scale powder addition on the mechanical and free vibration properties of jute/carbon fibers reinforced hybrid polyester composites

Investigation of Mechanical Attributes and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Hybrid Polyester Composites for Automotive Applications

Investigation of Mechanical Attributes and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Hybrid Polyester Composites for Automotive Applications

Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Nonwoven Recycled Cotton/PET Fiber‐Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composites

AbstractThis study investigates the mechanical properties of nonwoven hybrid composites made from recycled cotton/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with various fiber weight percentages (100/0, 0/100, 75/25, 60/40, 50/70, 60/40, and 25/75). The multilayered nonwoven carded webs are manufactured by the carding machine, while the manual lay‐up technique is used to fabricate nonwoven‐reinforced composites. Their tensile, flexural, and impact properties and microstructure are then examined. It is found that the tensile modulus and strength increase with the increase in cotton, while the impact strength improves with the increase in PET. The composite of 75% cotton/25% PET offers 92.13% and 67.87% higher tensile modulus and strength than the composite of 25% cotton/75% PET; however, the composite of 25% cotton/75% PET shows 83.09% and 36.22% higher flexural modulus and strength, and 187% more impact strength, respectively, than the composite of 75% cotton/25% PET. The outcome of this study indicates that nonwoven composites with higher contents of recycled cotton can potentially be applied in building and construction sectors where substantial tensile strength is necessary, while composites with comparatively higher contents of recycled PET may be used for various potential applications (e.g., helmets, surfboards, and automotive interiors) where significant flexural and impact strengths are required.

Morphological, chemical and mechanical properties of hybrid polyester composites reinforced with bamboo fibers and kaolin waste

This article presents a study on the use of natural fibers and kaolin waste as sustainable alternatives in the manufacture of polymer matrix composites. In the present research, isophthalic unsaturated polyester matrix composites were manufactured in association with bamboo fibers (Bambusa vulgaris) and kaolin waste. The kaolin waste was used with a particle size of 50–100 MESH and the fibers in lengths of 15 mm and 30 mm, randomly arranged within the matrix. Bamboo fibers were used fresh and treated with NaOH (5%/2 h). The chemical characterization of the fibers was obtained followed by the morphological characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The composites were mechanically evaluated through flexural and tensile tests. The mechanical properties obtained were treated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test. The fracture surfaces of the composites were verified by SEM. Bamboo fibers had a chemical composition similar to other natural fibers already studied, with 7.55% extractives, 17.95% total lignin and 74.5% holocellulose. Composites with 30 mm long treated fibers and 30% kaolin showed better flexural strength (137.0 MPa), with deformation of (1.59 mm) and flexural modulus of (19.27 GPa). Through tensile tests, it was possible to identify that the addition of kaolin waste provided a significant improvement in tensile strength of 66% (15BTKW20) and 54% (30BTKW20) compared to neat polyester. SEM micrographs of bamboo fibers, surface roughness, starch granules, micropores and parenchyma cells were identified. ANOVA reinforced the reliability of the results, highlighting the feasibility of manufacturing kaolin waste/bamboo fiber hybrid composites.

Integrating response surface methodology and machine learning for analyzing the unconventional machining properties of hybrid fiber‐reinforced composites

AbstractThe aim of this investigation was to delve into the impact of abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) process variables on the surface roughness (Ra) and kerf angle (Ka) of hybrid fiber‐reinforced polyester composites. Utilizing both response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) prediction models, the study sought to optimize the input parameters for abrasive water jet machining, specifically in the context of paddy straw and PALF‐reinforced polyester hybrid composites. The process parameters targeted for optimization included the abrasive flow rate, traverse rate, and standoff distance during AWJM. The investigation identified an optimal combination of AWJM parameters that effectively meets the practical requirements for machining hybrid fiber‐reinforced polyester composites. According to the RSM, the suggested optimal values for the process parameters are an abrasive flow rate set at 300 g/min, traverse speed at 110 mm/min, and standoff distance at 1 mm. The ANN exhibited robust predictive capabilities, achieving high R2 scores of 0.932 and 0.962 for surface roughness and kerf angle, respectively. To enhance the performance of abrasive water jet machining and minimize surface roughness and kerf angle, the researchers conducted an optimization of the process parameters. Subsequently, confirmation experiments were executed to validate the predictive model and fine‐tune the set of process parameters for practical application.Highlights Investigated AWJM impact on Ra value and kerf angle of hybrid composites. Used RSM and ANN models for parameter optimization in biocomposite. Optimal AWJM parameters: AFR (300 g/min), TS (110 mm/min), and SOD (1 mm). ANN showed strong predictions: R2 scores 0.932 (Ra) and 0.962 (Ka). Confirmation experiments validated the predictive model for applications.

Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of jute/hemp fibers reinforced hybrid polyester composites

AbstractOne of the primary drawbacks associated with natural fiber reinforced composites is their relatively poor mechanical properties. One potential approach to overcome this challenge is to augment the fiber loading, thereby improving the interfacial characteristics and hybridization. In this study, hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated via the hand layup process, with fiber loadings varying between 30%, 50%, and 70% by volume. Fibers were subjected to alkali solutions (NaOH) containing 3% and 5% alkali in advance of the composites' formation. The impact, flexural, and tensile characteristics of hybrid jute/hemp reinforced polyester composites were investigated via laboratory studies. The composite materials that underwent testing with a 50 vol% fiber loading and 3% NaOH exhibited the maximum tensile strength (26.6 MPa), tensile modulus (733.56 MPa), flexural strength (62.7 MPa), and flexural modulus (3.04 GPa).Highlights Hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated. Hand layup method used with various fiber loadings (30%, 50%, and 70% by volume). Highest mechanical properties were obtained for 3% NaOH treatment and 50% fiber loading.

Fatigue and Impact Properties of Kenaf/Glass-Reinforced Hybrid Pultruded Composites for Structural Applications.

To address the weight, cost, and sustainability associated with fibreglass application in structural composites, plant fibres serve as an alternative to reduce and replace the usage of glass fibres. However, there remains a gap in the comprehensive research on plant fibre composites, particularly in their durability for viable structural applications. This research investigates the fatigue and impact properties of pultruded kenaf/glass-reinforced hybrid polyester composites tailored for structural applications. Utilising kenaf fibres in mat form, unidirectional E-glass fibre direct roving yarns, and unsaturated polyester resin as key constituents, pultruded kenaf/glass hybrid profiles were fabricated. The study reveals that pultruded WK/UG alternate specimens exhibit commendable fatigue properties (18,630 cycles at 60% ultimate tensile strength, UTS) and fracture energy (261.3 kJ/m2), showcasing promise for moderate load structural applications. Notably, the pultruded 3 WK/UG/3WK variant emerges as a viable contender for low-load structural tasks recorded satisfactory fatigue properties (10,730 cycles at 60% UTS) and fracture energy (167.09 kJ/m2). Fatigue failure modes indicate that the stress applied is evenly distributed. Ductile failures and delaminations during impact test can be attributed to damping and energy absorbing properties of kenaf fibres. Moreover, incorporating kenaf as a hybrid alternative demonstrates substantial reductions in cost (35.7-50%) and weight (9.6-19.1%). This research establishes a foundation for advancing sustainable and efficient structural materials and highlights the significant role of materials design in shaping the future of engineering applications.

Assessment and analysis of drilling-induced damage in jute/palm date fiber-reinforced polyester hybrid composite

Assessment and analysis of drilling-induced damage in jute/palm date fiber-reinforced polyester hybrid composite

Mechanical, morphological and water intake behavior of Mg-Si integrated carbon hybrid composite for marine deckhouse

The automated boat’s deckhouse is made of deforested wood and glass fiber, harming producers, fishermen, and marine life. In context, researchers are attempting to make composites from waste and replace synthetic materials with natural composites. In the present work, a Carbon/Mg/Si/polyester hybrid composite is developed as a potential replacement for wood in marine deckhouse construction. Impact, tensile, flexural, Rockwell and Brinell hardness were tested using ASTM standards, as well as weight absorption in fresh and seawater. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microanalysis (EDAX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy techniques were used to identify microstructure, elements, and functional groups. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are used to determine the thermal stability and heat intake/rejection of the hybrid composite. Novel hybrid composites with Mg-Si fillers improve the mechanical strength, adhesion, corrosion resistance, and deckhouse life span in marine environments.

Retracted: Experimental Studies on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyester Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Sansevieria Trifasciata Fibers

Retracted: Experimental Studies on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyester Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Sansevieria Trifasciata Fibers

Sliding Wear Behavior of Pineapple Leaf/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites

AbstractIn this work, the effect of the kind of reinforcement on the sliding wear performance of a polyester matrix composite reinforced with glass fiber and pineapple leaf fiber is investigated. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the effects of the type of reinforcement on the sliding wear performance of a polyester matrix composite reinforced with glass fiber and pineapple leaf fiber. By using hot press molding and the 30% weight fraction of fiber reinforcement, polyester composites with four distinct compositions—PPP, GGG, PGP, and GPG—have been created. These composites' dry sliding wear experiment is carried out using a Pin on Disc wear testing device. The following parameters are used in experiments: a track radius of 50 mm, a sliding distance (SD) of 500 m, an applied load of 50, 70, or 90 N, and a sliding velocity of 3.14, 4.71, or 6.28 m s−1. For dedicated (PPP, GGG) and hybrid (PGP, GPG) polyester composites, the effects of load, sliding velocity (SV), and wear rate (WR) are studied. At 50 N and 3.14 m s−1 the COF for PPP and GGG dedicated composites is 0.68 and 0.70, respectively, whereas for PGP and GPG hybrid composites, it is 0.41 and 0.64. The PGP/GPG hybrid composites have a minimal wear rate of 3.34e‐8 m3 s−1 and are 80% more effective than dedicated composites. Utilizing the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, regression models are created to optimize the influence of various parameters, such as load, sliding velocity, and composition. Results of confirmation tests show excellent agreement with predictions generated using the developed mathematical model.

Predicting physico-mechanical and thermal properties of loofa cylindrica fibers and Al2O3/Al-SiC reinforced polymer hybrid composites using artificial neural network techniques

The physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of loofa fiber-alumina (Al2O3) and loofa fiber-aluminum silicon carbide (Al-SiC) reinforced with epoxy, vinyl-ester, and polyester hybrid composites were experimentally studied. The polymer hybrid laminates were fabricated using an ultrasonication probe-assisted wet-layup technique. The outcomes show that flexural, impact, and tensile characteristics were higher for loofa fiber-Al-SiC reinforcement than other samples due to minimal voids and uniform dispersion of fillers within the matrices as observed from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Minimum water absorption and thickness swelling characteristics were examined for the composite specimen reinforced with loofa fiber-Al-SiC fillers. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed, and the laminate was observed to be thermally stable up to 436 °C. Also, forecasting models were simulated using an artificial neural network (ANN) to perceive schemes in data by varying certain factors. The outcomes collected signified that loofa fiber-Al-SiC-based laminate could substitute traditionally applied materials and provide real-world directions. A one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) technique was performed to check the significance between the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of developed polymer hybrid composites and found significant under a 95 % confidence level. Based on the results, the loofa fiber-Al-SiC reinforced polymer hybrid laminate exhibited improved tensile, impact, and flexural characteristics along with remarkable thermal stability, recommends multi-faceted applications in industries demanding lightweight yet strong materials like automotive and aerospace field, where structural integrity and decrement in weight are dominant.

Fabrication and Characterization of Jute/Human Hair Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composite

Fibre reinforced composites are used in automotive, defence and structural applications because of their economic and ecological advantage but they have limitation of lower mechanical strength. To balance this limitation of mechanical properties, hybrid composites are being manufactured. In this paper jute and human hair was selected for preparation of jute / human hair reinforced polyester hybrid composite. Human hair was selected because it is non-biodegradable and has high tensile strength. A single human hair can bear 1.5 Newton load. Recently various researcher started work towards development of bio-composites. It has been found that a mechanical property increases after adding hair in hybrid composites. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, young modulus, and flexural strength were also compared with the already published jute composite results. To understand the fracture behaviour of composite morphology of the fractured surface was done by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The composite application is in environmental conditions addition and thus it is subjected to moisture presence, therefore study of water absorption behaviour of fabricated composite was also studied.

Banana/ coir biofibers and carbon/innegra fabrics and BN/MWCNT nanoparticles reinforced UV resistant polyester hybrid composites

Plant cellulose fibers are a biodegradable and acceptable alternative for fabricating balanced-strength polymer laminate components due to their higher specific strength, eco-friendliness, and renewable nature. The target of the present investigation is to manufacture banana-boron nitride-carbon fabric and coir-multi walled carbon nanotubes-Innegra fabric hybrid polyester laminates by varying different chemical treatments and determine the physical (density, water absorption, and contact angle), mechanical (tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, impact strength, and shore D hardness) and thermal (onset, endset, glass transition temperature, and carbon residue) characteristics of fabricated laminates. The addition of chemically treated/ untreated banana/ coir fillers in the polyester matrix was affirmed morphologically and structurally from Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results examined the higher thermal stability of the chemically treated banana/ coir fiber reinforced polyester hybrid laminates around 400 °C. The artificial neural network modeling was performed to select the best composite material among the fabricated laminates. The determination coefficient values were lower than 0.98 for testing, validation, and training for both laminates. The model outcomes exhibited lower root mean squared error, explaining that using the model of an exact threshold was predicted for the artificial neural network forecasting. The one way-Analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was applied to study the significance of the difference between the chemically treated/ untreated banana and coir fillers on physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics.

Taguchi optimized sliding wear behavior and hardness of novelGrewia optiva/Basalt fiber reinforced hybrid polyester composites

AbstractThis research paper investigated the hardness and tribological performance of novelGrewia optiva/Basalt fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites. Two different configuration of hybrid composite that is, woven and chopped fiber reinforced composite are considered for the study. The chopped fiber configuration of the composite is further divided into two types based on fiber length and wt%. The fiber lengths studied are 6 and 12 mm while the wt% studied are 0, 6, and 12 wt%. Woven fiber reinforced composite is divided into five configurations based on wt% ofG. optivafiber with 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 wt%. In all configurations, maximum fiber content of 12 wt% is maintained. B6/GO6 composite exhibits minimum specific wear rate and maximum hardness among all the compositions. Wear experimental results are analyzed by Taguchi optimization technique and based on the five levels and four control factors (sliding velocity, fiber loading, sliding distance, and normal load) L25partial orthogonal array was suggested for the woven fiber reinforced composites. Fiber content is the main control parameter for hardness testing and L9orthogonal array was suggested according to four control factors and three levels.

Influence of surface treatment on mechanical properties of Roystonea-regia/banana fibre reinforced hybrid polyester composites

An effort has been made in the current research to analyse the influence of alkali and saline treatments on the mechanical properties of Roystonea-regia (RR)/banana (BA) fibre reinforced hybrid polyester composites. Composites were prepared using both treated and untreated fibres using hand layup technique. Total reinforcement content in the hybrid composites was limited to 15 wt%. Prepared specimens were tested for tensile, flexural and impact properties as per ASTM standards. Highest tensile and flexural properties were obtained for the composites reinforced with 5 wt% RR fibres and 10 wt% of BA fibres for both treated and untreated conditions. Alkali treated specimens exhibited superior tensile and flexural properties in comparison to untreated and silane treated specimens. However, composite reinforced with untreated fibres showed better impact strength.