Reinforced Polyester Composites Research Articles

Multi-scale analysis of randomly reinforced polyester composites with short phosphate glass fibers: experimental insights and kinematic homogenization modeling

Multi-scale analysis of randomly reinforced polyester composites with short phosphate glass fibers: experimental insights and kinematic homogenization modeling

Effects of mechanical and fatigue properties of vinyl silane–treated and ageing-processed areca fibre and bronze nanoparticle–reinforced polyester composite

Effects of mechanical and fatigue properties of vinyl silane–treated and ageing-processed areca fibre and bronze nanoparticle–reinforced polyester composite

Modification on Fiber from Alkali Treatment and AESO Coating to Enhance UV-Light and Water Absorption Resistance in Kapok Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites

ABSTRACT Environmental contamination poses a significant threat to the integrity of materials, including metals and composites. Addressing the degradation of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites necessitates effective management strategies, particularly in mitigating UV and water-induced deterioration. This study explores the efficacy of Acrylated Epoxidized Soybean Oil (AESO) coating treatment following alkali treatment as a potential solution. Alkali treatment of Kapok fiber (KF) combined with polymer coating yielded composites exhibiting superior mechanical properties, particularly in tensile and flexural strength, following a 30-day aging period. Remarkably, the application of alkali and coating treatments led to a substantial enhancement in the mechanical strength of polyester composites, with the highest tensile strength recorded at 96.04 MPa. This represented a notable increase of 31.97% compared to untreated KF specimens. The observed enhancement in composite performance underscores the critical role of interfacial adhesion between fibers and the matrix, particularly under conditions of UV exposure and water immersion. Importantly, the study demonstrates that alkali treatment and polymer coating effectively mitigate degradation in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites, thereby offering promising avenues for enhancing their durability and longevity.

Development and mechanical characterization of horse hair with titanium dioxide nanoparticles reinforced polyester composite

This study aims to examine the effects of waste material more especially horse hair as fiber on mechanical and physical properties. Tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties of horse hair fiber and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) polyester composite were investigated to determine whether the latter might be used as a new material in various engineering applications for a longer life. To improve the impact resistance of the composite, horse hair fiber is mixed in different ratios with titanium dioxide and polyester as filler. Tensile, flexural, and impact mechanical properties were assessed using the Universal Testing Machine, the Rockwell Hardness Testing Machine, and the Izod Impact Test. Specimens were hand-put up using various fiber weight ratios. The results of this study showed that Specimen 5 showed a tremendous increase in flexural strength (98.87 MPa), tensile strength (91.46 MPa), hardness (115 HV), impact strength (15.98 J m−1), and water uptake (10.18%) as compared to the neat and also with the other Specimens. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the fracture surface in more detail in order to search for failure mechanisms and the dispersion of nanoparticles. SEM micrographs verified the uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles. Results suggest that these composites can be used as a material for a variety of applications, including biological claims that they are a practical, durable, and environmentally friendly choice.

Mechanical Properties and Recyclability of Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites.

Fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) are valuable construction materials owing to their strength, durability, and design flexibility; however, conventional FRPs utilize petroleum-based polymer matrices with limited recyclability. Furthermore, fiber reinforcements are made from nonrenewable feedstocks, through expensive and energy intensive processes, making recovery and reuse advantageous. Thus, FRPs that use biobased and degradable or reprocessable matrices would enable a more sustainable product, as both components can be recovered and reused. We previously developed a family of degradable and reprocessable cross-linked polyesters from bioderived cyclic esters (l-lactide, δ-valerolactone, and ε-caprolactone) copolymerized with a bis(1,3-dioxolan-4-one) cross-linker. We now incorporate these networks into FRPs and demonstrate degradability of the matrix into tartaric acid and oligomers, enabling recovery and reuse of the fiber reinforcement. Furthermore, the effect of varying comonomer structure, catalyst, reinforcement type, and lay-up method on mechanical properties of the resultant FRPs is explored. The FRPs produced have tensile strengths of up to 202 MPa and Young's moduli up to 25 GPa, promising evidence that sustainable FRPs can rival the mechanical properties of conventional high performance FRPs.

Analysis of the glass fibre/chicken feathers reinforced hybrid composite

AbstractIn this paper glass/chicken feathers reinforced epoxy composite and glass/chicken feathers reinforced polyester composite was prepared in the laboratory at different percentage of the glass and chicken feathers. Tensile properties, flexural properties, shore hardness and impact strength of the glass/chicken feathers reinforced epoxy composite and glass/chicken feathers reinforced polyester composite was studied experimentally and compared at different percentage of the glass and chicken feathers. The composite will be used in humid and corrosive environment; therefore, water absorption and acid corrosion test were performed. To understand the degradation behaviour of the composite, soil test was performed. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was carried out to find the fracture and interfacial characteristics of the composites after tensile test. This hybrid composite can be used in automobile, structural and defense sector.

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

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

Physico-mechanical and thermal properties of fly ash and benzoylated Himalayan Agave fiber reinforced polyester composite

Physico-mechanical and thermal properties of fly ash and benzoylated Himalayan Agave fiber reinforced polyester composite

Influence of Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Reinforced Polyester Resin Composites

Natural fibres, which are recyclable and environment friendly, are becoming more popular than synthetic fibres which are commonly utilized in manufacturing composite materials. Scientists have drawn attention to natural fibres because of their availability, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. Recently, it has been popular practice to include natural fibres in composite materials for industrial uses. The research deals with the fabrication of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced polyester composites prepared from PALF used as reinforcement with 6 wt% (weight fraction). Synthesized graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was used as filler in different weight fractions such as 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 % to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the fabricated composites. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized by one-step heating methods from scrap melamine. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was utilized to characterize g-C3N4 and ensured successful synthesis. According to the results, the composite with 0.75 wt% of g-C3N4 has a higher modulus and tensile strength. Tensile strength increases as g-C3N4 weight percentages rise, demonstrating the filler's beneficial effects. The appearance of cracks in PALF/polyester composites with g-C3N4 was captured by scanning electron microscopy, which points to the morphological changes arising after tensile testing. With the addition of g-C3N4 in several weight percentages, the thermal resistance and water repellency of composites were significantly improved. Overall, this research reveals the effect of filler weight percentage on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PALF/polyester composite. The investigation concludes that a defined weight proportion of g-C3N4 with PALF and polyester resin produces composite materials with acceptable mechanical properties suitable for engineering applications where composites are best.

Wear behaviour of glass fiber reinforced polyester composites under dry friction and fluid film lubrication

Abstract The use of composite materials, which are more economical and have better material properties, has become widespread in the industry lately. The glass fiber reinforced polyester composite materials constitute majority of composite materials produced in industry. Wear reduces working life of machine parts, affects their functions, and causes undesired deterioration, resulting in part separation over the contact surface. The machine parts produced from glass fiber reinforced polyester composite materials wear out because of exposure to dry friction and fluid film lubrication under different operating conditions. In this study, wear behaviours of glass fiber reinforced polyester composite materials under dry friction and fluid film lubrication conditions were investigated. The various results were obtained with this study. The wear resistances of samples in dry friction and fluid film lubrication conditions are like each other. The use of glass fiber, glass bead and plasticizer tensile additive in glass fiber reinforced polyester composite specimens is effective in improving the wear resistance of specimens.

Investigation of the Effects of Environmental Conditions on Wear Behaviors in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite Materials Containing Different Types of Polyester and Low Profile Additive

Kompozit malzemeler, gelişen teknoloji ile birlikte günümüzde birçok alanda başarıyla kullanılmaktadırlar. Elyaf takviyeli polimer kompozitler, yüksek dayanım ve düşük maliyet özelliklerinden dolayı en sık tercih edilen kompozit malzemelerdir. Cam elyaf takviyeli polyester (CTP) kompozitler kullanım alanlarına göre istenilen mekanik ve tribolojik özellikleri karşılayan polimer matrisli ve cam elyaf takviye malzemeli bir kompozit türüdür. Cam elyaf takviyeli polyester kompozit malzemeler farklı türlerde polyester ve çekme katkıları içerebilmektedir. Çevresel koşullar cam elyaf takviyeli polyester kompozitlerin aşınma dayanımı üzerinde etkili olmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, iki farklı türde polyester (ortoftalik ve izoftalik) ve çekme katkısı (polistiren ve plastifiyen) içeren cam elyaf takviyeli polyester kompozit malzemelerin farklı çevresel koşullar (UV ışıma, asit ortamı, tuzlu su ortamı, hızlandırılmış yaşlandırma, hidrotermal yaşlandırma ve termal çevrim) altındaki aşınma davranışları incelenmiş ve farklı türlerde polyester ve çekme katkısı içeren numunelerde çevresel koşulların malzemelerin aşınma davranışları üzerine olan etkileri araştırılmıştır. CTP kompozit numunelerin aşınma dayanımına çevresel koşulların etkileri dikkate alındığında her iki numunede de UV ışıma ortamına ve hidrotermal yaşlandırmaya maruz kalan numunelerin aşınma dayanımının arttığı gözlemlenmiştir. CTP kompozit malzemelerin içerisinde polistiren çekme katkısının kullanılması malzemenin aşınma dayanımını iyileştirmektedir. Ortoftalik polyester reçine içeren CTP kompozit numunelerin, izoftalik reçine içeren numunelere kıyasla aşınma dayanımları daha iyidir.

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.

Enhancement of tribology behaviour by the addition of different fiber length of pineapple fiber reinforced polyester composite

Enhancement of tribology behaviour by the addition of different fiber length of pineapple fiber reinforced polyester composite

Developing an alternative crossbar material from jute/E-glass fiber hybrid reinforced polymer matrix composite

Over the last three decades, the use of hybrid reinforced fiber composite materials for structural applications has increased. Minimizing the weight of vehicle components has been considered an important solution for improving fuel economy, increasing technical benefits, and reducing harmful emissions. This study used jute and E-glass fiber with a polyester matrix to develop the hybrid composite. Hand layups were employed for sample preparation of 40% fiber and 60% of the polyester matrix with four different stacking sequences. The mechanical property and water absorption test were influenced by fiber stacking sequences and jute fiber treatment. In this investigation, the result shows that the hybrid G-J-J-G hybrid of NaOH-treated jute fiber exhibited higher strength than a hybrid containing jute fiber at their outer layer and a hybrid of the same stacking sequence with untreated jute fibers. A hybrid with a G-J-J-G arrangement was used to develop alternative crossbar members by size optimization with a genetic algorithm. The sizing optimization of crossbar member results shows that the weight of the hybrid composite crossbar can be reduced by 46.47%, from 9.765 kg to 5.227 kg per single component of crossbar member, and comparatively, an average of 0.00544 L per 100 km of fuel was enabled to be saved. Thus, jute/E-glass hybrid reinforced polyester composite can effectively be an alternative to the current steel structure without compromising their application.

Mechanical properties of glass-fiber reinforced polyester composites manufactured by two different spray-up techniques

Mechanical properties of glass-fiber reinforced polyester composites manufactured by two different spray-up techniques

Investigation on impact properties of basalt and glass fiber reinforced polyester composites filled with nano silica

The relevance of granite waste is growing alongside the global demand for granite. This waste comprises various forms, including large granite pieces, tiny fragments, dust, and other debris. This research aimed to create a novel composite by incorporating nano silica from granite powder as a filler, combining it with basalt and glass fibres as the matrix, and using polyester as the resin. The fabrication involved Fiber Reinforced Composite (FRP) production through hand lay-up and vacuum silicon moulding to eliminate trapped air during lamination. After fabrication, tests were conducted for hardness, density, and Low-Velocity Impact under dropping weight. The results indicated that introducing nano silica as a filler in polyester resin positively impacted Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite (BFRPC) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite (GFRPC). Analysis showed that as the nano-silica content increased, so did energy absorbed, impact strength and ductility index, up to a 1wt% nano-silica concentration. Beyond this point, agglomeration occurred, causing a decrease in these values. The 1 Nano silica Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite (1NSBFRPC) material exhibited the highest energy absorption at 103.21J, indicating strong impact strength at 21.27kJ/m2. Conversely, the 1NSGFRPC material demonstrated the highest ductility index at 4.13. In comparison, Carbon Tech Global's (CTG) energy absorption, initially 25.56J, experienced a significant increase of 303.79%, reaching 103.21J. The impact strength also showed a notable shift, escalating by 396.96% from 4.28 KJ/m2 to an impressive 21.27kJ/m2. This shift in impact strength represented a remarkable 128.2% surge, highlighting the significant influence of integrating nano-silica. This new composite suits truck body carriers and offers environmental benefits. Furthermore, utilising nano silica in this context not only aids in waste reduction within the granite sector but also contributes to sustainable resources.

Experimental and numerical evaluation of mechanical performances of hybrid Palmyra-Palm-Leaf-Stalk/Glass fiber reinforced polyester composites

In the present work, four layered Palmyra-Palm-Leaf-Stalk (PPLSF)/Glass hybrid composites laminates with six distinct stacking orders were made by following hand lay-up method. Different experiments were carried out to determine the tensile, flexural, impact and hardness of the laminates as per ASTM standard. The results reveal that the addition of glass fiber to PPLSF significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the laminates. On successive replacement of PPLSF by glass fiber, an enhancement of properties such as 291.39% for tensile strength, 72.08% for flexural strength, 75.82% for impact strength, and 78.44% for micro-hardness was observed. Again, it is also noticed that the stacking order plays an important role in influencing the properties while comparing experimental finding of laminates with equal weight percentages PPLSF and glass fiber. Further to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a 3D CAD model of tensile and flexural specimen was created in space-claim modeler of ANSYS R19.0 and subsequently imported to generate numerical predicted values. While comparing the numerical and experimental results, there was very good agreement among the results was found. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used for fractography analysis of the tested samples to examine the different mode of failures.

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.

An examining the static and dynamic mechanical characteristics of milled ramie root reinforced polyester composites

This research works discuss about the effective utilization of waste Ramie Root, that has been in reinforced polyester composites, powdered fillers that have not been treated are used. Four different composites plate were formed with compression moulding technique process consisting of 20, 30 and 40% of Powdered Ramie Root with 80, 70 and 60% unsaturated polyester resin, respectively. The maximum mechanical properties were observed for the composite with 30:70 weight volume percentages of milled ramie root synthetic reinforced polyester. The findings show that the glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss factors all rise when the composition of composites changes. Additionally, the powder cohesion force (bonding strength) has a greater impact on dynamic mechanical properties. Thermo-gravimetric the inclusion of Ramie Root powder caused the thermal deterioration peak of the composite to move from 370 °C to 418 °C, according to analysis (TGA) conducted under flowing oxygen. According to the measurement of water absorption, the ideal weight ratio of Fiber: Unsaturated Polyester Resin is 30:70, which modifies the fibres’ surfaces and ensures optimal adhesion between the fibre and matrix in composite materials. Scanning electron microscopic investigation is done to ascertain the fracture behaviour of the composite. As a result of their stability, high tensile strength, and bending stiffness, the produced composites can be used in light-load applications by material technologists.

Effect of red mud on mechanical and thermal properties of agave sisalana/glass fiber–reinforced hybrid composites

Abstract The mechanical, thermal, and morphological analysis of red mud filled sisal/glass fiber–reinforced polyester composites have been investigated. In this study, four composite specimens were prepared through hand layup technique by changing the weight percentage of sisal fiber and red mud. Weight percentage of glass fiber and polyester resin are kept constant. The fabricated composite specimens were subjected to mechanical properties such as hardness, impact and tensile behavior, thermal, and morphological analysis. From the results, it is observed that, maximum tensile strength of 45.6 MPa was obtained for C1 specimen. Maximum hardness and impact strength of 85.67 and 391.5 J m−1 was achieved for C2 specimen. In TGA study, C1 and C2 specimen exhibited 85 % of weight loss with the temperature ranges from 300 °C to 400 °C. From SEM analysis, good bonding between fiber and matrix, voids, fiber breakages, fiber pullout, delamination, rich matrix area, poor adhesion between fiber and matrix, poor arrangement of fibers, interlinked fibers, and crack propagation were observed. Based on the results, C2 specimen which contains 30 wt% of sisal fiber and 5 wt% of red mud is performed well than other composites and it is suitable for various applications such as marine, automobile, and aeronautical.