Properties Of Polymer Matrix Composites Research Articles

Improvements of the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of structural adhesive with functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles

AbstractInvestigations on the production and development of nanoparticle‐reinforced polymer materials have been attracted attention by researchers. Various nanoparticles have been used to improve the mechanical, chemical, thermal, and physical properties of polymer matrix composites. Boron compounds come to the fore to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers. In this study, mechanical, thermal, and structural properties of structural adhesive have been examined by adding nano hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) to epoxy matrix at different percentages (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%). For this purpose, nano h‐BN particles were functionalized with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to disperse the h‐BN nanoparticles homogeneously in epoxy matrix and to form a strong bond at the matrix interface. Two‐component structural epoxy adhesive was modified by using functionalized h‐BN nanoparticles. The structural and thermal properties of the modified adhesives were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. Tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to determine the mechanical properties of the adhesives. When the results obtained from analysis were examined, it was seen that the nano h‐BN particles functionalized with APTES were homogeneously dispersed in the epoxy matrix and formed a strong bond. In addition that, it was concluded from the experimental results that the thermal and mechanical properties of adhesives were improved by adding functionalized nano h‐BN particles into epoxy at different ratios.

Fabrication and evaluation of mechanical properties of polymer matrix composite using nano fibers as a reinforcement

Plant base cellulose nanofibers with diameter 20–50 nm are obtained by Agave gigantea through the steam explosion method. These nanofibers used as a reinforcement to making composites at different percentages (10%, 15%, and 20%) with epoxy LY556 & hardener HY951 used as a matrix at a 10:1 ratio. Thermoset polymer is used as a matrix although it has a great strength-to-weight ratio, and performance, and good thermal properties. Preparation of composite used hand-lay-up method with random orientation of fibers, examining the mechanical properties of nanofiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites like tensile testing, impact testing, and hardness of the composites. The percentage of nanofibers has greatly influenced the mechanical properties of the material. The significant enhancement of mechanical characteristics was observed as the result of addition of nanofibers as a reinforcement in composites. Finding the percentage of absorption of moisture for the different samples at the same period and the rate of water absorption depend on the percentage of fiber used in the composite. It is directly proportional to the percentage of fibers and is the only the demerit when using plant base nanofiber as reinforcement.

Composites materials for sustainable space industry: a review of recent developments

Composite materials have extraordinary properties such as high specific stiffness, high specific strength and other unique properties, which are indispensable in many industries such as automotive and space application. Space application demands materials which possess lightweightness, good strength and ability to resist in harsh environments. Composites materials provide higher strength to weight ratio along with multifunctionality properties which are indispensable for sustainable space industries. This review paper will first explain the need of composites in space industry and then critically review various types of advanced composites used in space. Polymer matrix composites applications in space industry and effect of space environments in properties of polymer matrix composites have been reviewed. Applications of ceramic matrix composites and the challenges in usage of ceramic composites in space have also been presented. Application of metal matrix composites in designing of truss and antenna of satellites has been elucidated.

Micromechanical effect of pores on elastic properties of polymer matrix composites

AbstractAdvanced composite polymer matrix and their different manufacturing processes tend to develop pores of varying size and play a major limiting role in residual stress, damage initiation, matrix cracking, strength, and durability. Direct imaging or simulations to understand the pore formation mechanism in the viscous polymer is difficult. Ultimately, the mechanical performance of the solidified matrix needs better prediction. This paper presents a stochastic micromechanical model, including the effect of pores' formation on the polymer matrix's elastic properties. Theoretical homogenization based micromechanical models for polymer composites is reviewed in the first part. Later, a micromechanical model is proposed considering the different stages of pore formation in a polymer matrix. Polymer samples are fabricated for determining the pore distribution parameters and used appropriately in the proposed model to estimate the elastic properties for a given distribution and volume fraction of the pores. A modified Mori‐Tanaka homogenization approach and a differential scheme of inclusion of pores are incorporated in the model. Results obtained from the proposed model are compared with the experimental measurements, and a significant correlation is found.

Determination of mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced with electrospinning N66, PAN, PVA and PVC nanofibers: A comparative study

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites are widely used in many structural applications thanks to their exceptional properties. In recent years, the use of electrospinning nanofibers with unique properties as reinforcement agents has attracted a great deal of attention in improving the performance of these composites. Although there are many promising studies on this subject in the literature, there are still many issues that need to be investigated. In this study, an experimental research reporting on the production and mechanical properties of two-phase polymer matrix composites reinforced with various types of thermoplastic nanofibers is presented. Nanofiber mats were produced from N66, PAN, PVA, and PVC polymers by electrospinning technique. Composites were obtained by embedding these nanofibers into epoxy resin by using vacuum infusion process. Mechanical properties of the composites were determined by performing tensile tests and the results were compared. The morphologies of nanofibers and the fracture surfaces of the composites were examined with SEM. Finally, statistical evaluations were carried out using mechanical data. According to tensile test results, the best ultimate tensile strength of 38.04 ± 3.7 MPa, elongation of 2.46 ± 0.4 % and toughness of 532 ± 137 kJ/m3 were obtained from N66 nanofiber composite, while PVA nanofiber composite was the most favorable in terms of Young's modulus (2.40 GPa). It was observed that the polymer type significantly affected the performance of the composite. In addition to the best mechanical properties, N66 composite was found to be more stable and reproducible than other specimens. Due to the good impregnation of nanofibers, it was conclusively determined that the use of vacuum infusion process is suitable for the production of these materials.

Experimental evaluation of mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced with date palm frond fibers from Oman

In this study, date palm fronds (DPF) were collected from Sultanate of Oman and treated with NaOH solution. Polymer matrix composite laminates reinforced with DPF fibers of different weight ratio were prepared using vacuum bagging technique. These laminates were subjected to several tests to study their mechanical properties like tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength and hardness. The optimum process parameters for producing the composites with improved mechanical properties were found out by employing the Taguchi method as optimization technique. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of tensile test fractured specimens were studied to interpret the characteristics of DPF fibers.

Chemical, biological, and nanoclay treatments for natural plant fiber-reinforced polymer composites: A review

Natural plant fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been in the limelight in the field of materials science for their mechanical properties, economy, and eco-friendliness. Properties of such novel composites depend on the adhesion and interaction between the fibers and the polymer matrix. Consequently, poor interaction can lead to declined mechanical properties, particularly strength. Surface modifications of fibers are carried out to enhance the bonding with the matrix by certain chemical treatments that remove hydroxyl groups in the amorphous cellulose region, making them hydrophobic and hence compatible with the matrix. Doing so also strengthens the composites, widening their scope of application. This review article provides comprehensive information about various surface modification techniques that include alkali, silane, acetylation, permanganate, peroxide, benzoylation, acrylation, acrylonitrile grafting, isocyanate, addition of maleated coupling agents, and fungal treatments. The working mechanisms and the effects of such treatments on mechanical strength are also elucidated. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of nanoclay inclusion in polymers, their addition techniques, and the augmentation of the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites. The article concludes along with the field of applications, summary of pertinent challenges, and directions for future work.

Mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites: Effect of hybridization

The current work involves the development and mechanical characterization of polymer composites prepared by the use of glass fibers and micronized rubber powder fillers reinforced in epoxy matrices. The composites were prepared by keeping weight fraction of matrix as 50% and varied the wt% of the reinforcements using hand layup technique. The results revealed that, 40 wt% of E-Glass and 10 wt% of micronized rubber powder filler reinforced composites yields better mechanical properties.

Influence of unwoven roving and woven fabric carbon fiber reinforcements on reaction‐to‐fire properties of polymer matrix composites

SummaryThe influence of carbon fiber orientation on reaction‐to‐fire characteristics of layered polymer matrix composites is investigated in detail. M18‐1/G939 as woven fabric and M18‐1/G947 as unwoven roving prepregs with identical, epoxy based matrix composition were laid‐up to give 1 to 8 mm thick unidirectional and quasi‐isotropic laminates. Fundamental reaction‐to‐fire properties of these composites are interpreted on basis of the matrix components: epoxy resin and polyetherimide, as well as contained flame retardants magnesium hydroxide and zinc borate. Cone calorimetry and temperature distributions through the laminate show, that the velocity of combustion is influenced by fiber orientation for a given resin. For an unwoven roving it is confirmed that a quasi‐isotropic fiber orientation leads to faster ignition, due to preferred delaminations, but retards burning processes more effectively than a unidirectional lay‐up. This fundamental principle is extended to woven fabric reinforcements, however with less pronounced effects. Migration velocities of the pyrolysis zone are measured and additionally, decomposition of carbon fibers is considered. A comparison with a similar epoxy based matrix system without toughener and flame retardants: RTM6/G939 is carried out, in order to assess the effects by fiber orientation.

Micromechanics Based Models for Effective Evaluation of Elastic Properties of Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract Micromechanics based models are used for the effective estimation of elastic properties of polymer matrix composites. This paper presents a novel and efficient micromechanical computational approach for effective estimation of elastic properties of polymer matrix composites. The strategy begins with the review of some notable micromechanics based models and then to bridge the gap between the limitations of these models. The analytical study based on Mori-Tanaka estimates for the effective estimation of elastic coefficients is carried out. Finite Element (FE) simulations using Representative Volume Element (RVE) are outlined in order to verify analytical results. It was found that Mori-Tanaka estimates and FE predictions are in agreement. Mori-Tanaka model predicts the values accurately for lower volume fractions due to dispersion approximations. However, the extent of elastic coefficient estimates at large volume fractions with inclusion of Eshelby’s tensor in Mori-Tanaka method is still regarded as open for the future advancement of this work

Polymer matrix composites in 3D printing: A state of art review

3D Printing is a set of advanced manufacturing techniques which facilitate layer by layer fabrication of customized products with intricate designs using wide selection of materials such as polymers, metals, ceramics, composites etc. 3D printing processes are becoming the need of the industry nowadays owing to their capability to manufacture complex structures with variable mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. In this paper an endeavour has been made to recognize the different Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) materials used for the 3D printing through an extensive literature survey. Screw extrusion most popular technology as wide range of virgin thermoplastic polymers and PMCs can be used as raw material for 3D printing. This study disclose that researchers have primarily focussed on development of in-house Polymer Matrix Composite materials using variable composition, size and type of reinforcements and matrix. As a result, these materials exhibited variable mechanical, thermal, electrical and tribological properties. This paper also highlights different polymer processing techniques, methodology adopted and findings of recent studies executed to investigate the properties of polymer matrix composites. Moreover, applicability of material developed in each study has been indicated. It can be predicted that presence of 3d printed materials especially composite structures have ever increasing applications in various fields such as Biomedical, Aerospace, Military, Automobile and ornaments/jewellery. The pathways for potential researchers working in advancement of different polymer matrix composites in 3D printing have been highlighted.

Processing and Characterization of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite

Polymer materials synthetic fibers, for example, glass and carbon gives point of interest of high stiffness and strength to weight proportion when compare with conventional construction materials, for example wood, cement and steel. The accessibility of natural fibers and comfort of manufacturing have attempted researchers to try locally accessible inexpensive fibers and do study for their feasibility of strengthening purpose. Accordingly, many researchers do broad study on the properties of polymer matrix composite. The synthetic fiber substituting with the natural fiber for example, jute, sisal, pineapple and bamboo. The natural fiber removed by retting and manual procedures were exposed to soluble base treatment. this study is concerned with the investigation of mechanical properties of Grewia Optiva and jute fiber with epoxy resin matrix-based polymer composites. study investigate the tensile, bending and abrasion behavior of composites material made by grewia optiva and jute into epoxy resin. result shows that the better tensile strength of Grewia optiva fiber composite.

Hydrothermal Ageing Impact & Damage Characterization for Polymeric Composites by means of Experimental Techniques

Polymer matrix carbon fiber composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive and civil industries due to their attractive properties, e.g., high strength-to-weight ratio, easy processing, excellent corrosion resistance and good thermal stability [1]. Despite the desirable properties of polymer matrix composites, one major disadvantage of them is their tendency to absorb water in humid environment, as most polymer matrices are highly polar [2]. Absorbed moisture dramatically degrades the composite performance.

Effect of various carbon nanofillers and different filler aspect ratios on the thermal conductivity of epoxy matrix nanocomposites

The effectiveness of carbon nanofillers in improving the thermal conductivity of polymer matrix composites has been extensively studied. However, the mechanisms that lead to the effective reinforcement of composite thermal conductivity at the nanoscale remain unclear, and the significant role of filler aspect ratio in determining composite thermal properties needs to be further clarified for various carbon nanofillers. The primary focus of this study was on understanding how important this factor is in determining the thermal properties of polymer matrix composites. The effect of various carbon nanofillers on the thermal conductivity of epoxy matrix composites was studied with special emphasis on the relationship between filler aspect ratio and composite thermal properties. The effect of filler loading on composite thermal conductivity was investigated, and the role of temperature in thermal conductivity improvement was also evaluated. The results indicated that the aspect ratio of carbon nanofillers is of great significance for improving their reinforcing effect on the thermal performance of polymer matrix composite materials. Graphene in any form can improve composite thermal conductivity more effectively than carbon nanotubes and conventional carbon-based nanofillers. A seven-fold increase in composite thermal conductivity has been achieved by incorporating 6% graphene oxide by weight into the polymer matrix. The resultant polymer nanocomposites may be more attractive at elevated temperatures for applications in thermal management, if their thermal stability problems can be effectively addressed.

Ultrasonic-assisted rapid preparation of three-phase nanocomposites: The effects of zinc manganite nanoparticles and polyurethane on the thermomechanical, physicochemical, and antibacterial properties of polymer matrix composites

Polymeric mixing and ultrasonic dispersion method as a green, fast, effective, and inexpensive technique was utilized to prepare epoxy/polyurethane/zinc manganite nanoparticles (EP/PU/ZnMn2O4 NPs) nanocomposites. The ZnMn2O4 NPs and PU were used for the optimization of mechanical properties of EP resin. Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with central composite design (CCD) was employed to obtain suitable mathematical models as function of physico- and thermomechanical factors. The weight fractions of PU and ZnMn2O4 NPs were chosen as the independent variables, and the effect of these variables on the mechanical properties of the EP resin was investigated. The tensile test showed that the addition of the PU and ZnMn2O4 NPs in the polymer matrix improved the mechanical properties. The dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the storage modulus and the glass transition temperatures of the nanocomposites increased and decreased, respectively. The optimum values of PU and ZnMn2O4 NPs contents for good mechanical properties were determined as 0.73 weight percentage (wt%) and 0.15 wt% ratio to EP resin, respectively. The antibacterial properties of the optimum sample were also investigated, and the results showed that, with the addition of the NPs, the antibacterial performance of EP/PU increased. The X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and vibrating sampler magnetmeter analyses were also applied to study the chemical and magnetic properties of the optimized nanocomposite samples.

Micromechanics-based approach for the effective estimation of the elastic properties of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite

In this paper, we proposed a revised Mori–Tanaka model for the effective estimation of the elastic properties at lower fiber volume fraction. A review of some notable micromechanics-based models with the theories proposed by Voigt and Reuss, Hashin–Shtrikman model, Mori–Tanaka method and dilute dispersion scheme is carried out, and a critique is presented focusing on the limitations of these models. Finite Element (FE) simulations are performed using Representative Volume Element (RVE) technique to rationalize the analytical results. Our results revealed that revised Mori–Tanaka estimates and FE predictions are in agreement. Elastic properties of the test material are dependent on size of RVE suggesting the effective elastic modulus evaluated using RVE forms the lower bounds of true effective values. However, we still believe that there is room for the debate for evaluating the elastic properties of these composites at larger volume fractions with the inclusion of Eshelby’s tensor in Mori–Tanaka scheme. Thus the efficacy of micromechanics-based models for the effective estimation of elastic properties of polymer matrix composites is highlighted. Our findings may provide new significant insights of the effective estimation of elastic properties of PMC using micromechanics-based approach.

Epoxy matrix composites reinforced with purified carbon nanotubes for thermal management applications

The role of carbon nanotube purification treatment as a means to improve the thermal properties of polymer matrix composites was investigated. Particular emphasis was placed on clarifying the processing‐property relationship in polymer composites for thermal management applications. The results indicated that purification treatment is critical to the thermal properties of derived polymer composites. Purification treatment can yield a twofold increase in composite thermal conductivity because of improved effectiveness in interfacial interaction and increased chemical purity of the filler. However, there is a trade‐off between the benefits and disadvantages associated with purification treatment, particularly when thermal and electrical properties are both concerned. Purification treatment gives rise to a sharp decrease in composite electrical conductivity by at least two orders of magnitude because of the lack of an effective percolating network. The effect of purification treatment on composite electrical properties is more significant than on its thermal properties.

Some Mechanical Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites Reinforced by Nano Silica Particles and Glass Fibers

This research studied the effect of nano silica particles on wear behavior test , ultimate tensile strength ,impact strength, fracture toughness and hardness shore D of specimens composite material. The hand-lay-up method is used to preparation of specimens established from unsaturated polyester resin matrix reinforcement with 4% weight fraction glass fiber (chopped / woven) mat and 1%, 3%, 5% weight fraction of nano silica particle. The nano silica particles used in this study has an average size of (less than 45nm). The results showed that the specimen (up+4% woven glass fiber+5% nano SiO2) gives better mechanical properties include ultimate tensile strength, impact strength, fracture toughness and hardness shore D (110 MPa, 13.7 K.J/m2, 18.92 MPa.m1/2, 85 shore D) respectively,when compare other specimens. The wear rate decreased from (22.5×10-4 cm3/N.m) for specimen (pure unsaturated polyester resin) to (0.18×10-4 cm3/N.m) for specimen (UP+4% woven glass fiber +5% nano SiO2) under parameter 7N (load), 15 minutes (sliding time), 2m/s (sliding speed) and (7 cm) sliding distance.

Effects of Carbon Nanotube Dispersion on the Material Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites

Effects of Carbon Nanotube Dispersion on the Material Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites

Analysis on effect of electroless coated SiCp on mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites

ABSTRACTThe versatility of polymer matrix composites in industrial applications has gained reputation and adaptability among advanced materials. Still, treatment of reinforcement for these composites has emerged as a vital domain to be explored. With a continuance to this fact, the present paper aims to analyze the effect of reinforced electroless coated silicon carbide particulates on mechanical properties of composites. The composite is developed using epoxy polymer as matrix and glass fibers as primary reinforcement. The electroless coated and uncoated silicon carbide particulates were used as secondary reinforcement. The phase identification of copper on secondary reinforcement was identified using X-ray powder diffraction technique. Fracture analysis during tensile testing and bonding behavior between matrix and reinforcement is examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The presence of copper particles on secondary reinforcement results in improved interfacial bonding and resistance against fracture during loading.