Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites Research Articles

Micromechanical analysis of carbon nanotube-coated fiber-reinforced hybrid composites

A multiscale micromechanical modeling approach is developed to predict elastic properties of carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polymer hybrid composites. In this type of hybrid composite, the unidirectional fibers are coated with randomly oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Two fundamental aspects affecting the mechanical behavior of the hybrid composites are investigated herein; namely, CNT non-straight shape and the existence of an interphase region between a CNT and the polymer matrix. An excellent agreement is observed between the predictions of the new micromechanical method and available experimental data. The results reveal that for an accurate prediction of the elastic properties of the CNT-coated CF-reinforced hybrid composite, the consideration of waviness and transversely isotropic behavior of CNT, CNT/polymer interphase region and random arrangement of CFs is essential. It is found that the contribution of CNTs to the elastic response of the hybrid composite in longitudinal direction can be neglected. However, transverse elastic modulus of the CNT-coated CF-reinforced hybrid composite is significantly improved over that of the conventional CF-reinforced composite without CNT coating. Also, the maximum value of transverse elastic modulus can be obtained when the uniformly aligned straight CNTs are radially grown on the surface of the horizontal CFs.

Multi-stage micromechanical modeling of effective elastic properties of carbon fiber/carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer hybrid composites

ABSTRACTA multi-stage hierarchical micromechanical approach is presented to predict the elastic properties of unidirectional carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polymer hybrid composites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The influences of CF volume fraction and orientation, type of CFs arrangement, CNT volume fraction and geometrical features, and CNT/polymer interphase region on the mechanical characteristics of CF/CNT-reinforced polymer hybrid composites are explored. An excellent agreement is found between the predictions of the presented micromechanical method and available experiment. It is shown that adding the CNTs into the fibrous polymer composites raises the transverse elastic modulus, while the longitudinal elastic properties are not influenced by the CNTs.

Evaluation of mechanical and wear performance of glass/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composite

Fiber reinforced polymer composites are used in various applications due to their improved mechanical properties and lighter weight. However, these materials have inadequate wear resistance in different abrasive wear environment such as gears, bearings and rollers. Thus, the evaluation and improvement of wear properties of polymer matrix composites is necessary for structural and abrasive wear environment. In this article, the three body abrasive wear properties of glass/carbon reinforced hybrid composites are investigated with different operating conditions. The Box-Behnken Design of Experiment was used to conduct the experiments. A polynomial mathematical model has been developed through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The model predicted optimum conditions for minimum specific wear rate of the hybrid composite ([G3C2]s) is applied load of 33N and sliding distance of 1221m. Furthermore, a confirmation test has been performed experimentally and found a good agreement between them.

Enhancement of mechanical and specific wear properties of glass/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composite

Mechanical components are subjected to friction and wear necessitating evaluation of tribological properties of polymer based composites. The wear properties of composites depend on the material, operating conditions and on the stacking sequence in hybrid composites. In this article, evaluation of the mechanical properties and optimum parameters for minimum specific wear rate of the hybrid composite were determined. The Hybrid composite was fabricated by hand-layup method with stacking sequence [CG3C]S of glass and carbon fiber. The results revealed that the flexural strength and tensile strain are improved through hybridization. The wear properties of the hybrid composite was evaluated by DUCOM three body abrasion tester with different operating conditions such as applied load and sliding distance. Box–Behnken design of experiment was used to perform the experiments. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to model and optimize the parameters for minimum specific wear rate of hybrid composite. The predicted value for minimum specific wear rate of 16.8511×10-3mm3/Nm was applied load of 33N and sliding distance of 1221m for hybrid [CG3C]S which was in close agreement with experiment.

Three-body abrasion wear performance of glass/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites

This study focused on the effect of the arrangement of glass/carbon fiber inter-ply sequence on abrasion wear performance of hybrid composites. Three types of composites were fabricated such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite [C]10, glass fiber reinforced polymer composite [G]10 and hybrid composite [G2C2G]S. The dry abrasive wear performance of these composites were carried out by using different input parameters such as hardness of the composites(H), sliding distance(D), applied load(L). Fifteen numbers of experimental runs were performed according to the Box-Behnken design of experiment. To achieve the minimum specific wear rate, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been adopted to model and optimize the operating parameters. The model predicted optimum conditions for lowest specific wear rate are the hybrid composite [G2C2G]S, sliding distance (1184m) and applied load (33N). Moreover, the model estimated results were compared with the experimental one and found a close agreement between them.

Investigation of moisture absorption and mechanical properties of natural /glass fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites

The importance of natural fiber reinforced composites is rapidly developing both in terms of engineering application and research field. These natural fibers are completely renewable, environmental friendly, high specific strength, non-abrasive, low cost, bio-degradability. Hence the objective of this research work is to determine the moisture absorption test in media like normal water, bore water, distilled water and sea water and mechanical tests of hybrid composites such as flexural strength and impact strength using static test methods as per ASTM standards. The laminates used for the current study was fabricated by hand layup technique. Coconut coir fiber and glass fiber used as reinforcement and epoxy used as a matrix. Composites are prepared with different percentage of volume fraction. The result from the investigation indicates that incorporation of coconut coir and glass fiber laminate can improve strength and used as an alternate material for glass fiber reinforced composites material.

Experimental investigation and analysis on the wear properties of glass fiber and CNT reinforced hybrid polymer composites

Abstract The aviation, automobile, and consumer products industry requires long-life, durable, lightweight high-performance polymer matrix composites. Polymer fiber reinforced materials possess low weight and high specific quality along with high specific stiffness. The addition of carbon nanoparticles in the composites improves their mechanical properties, including wear enhancement, which leads to the utilization of these composites in different fields. The present work investigates the wear performance of glass fiber and carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced hybrid polymer composites. Dry sliding tests for wear were conducted using a pin-on-disc wear tester by varying the load and speed. The worn surfaces were examined by utilizing scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The result shows that the increase in volume percentage of CNTs in glass fiber reinforced polymer composites decreases the wear rate. The result also clearly states that the coefficient of friction increases with an increase in the CNT percentage.

Effect of Mechanical Properties on Various Surface Treatment Processes of Banana/Cotton Woven Fabric Vinyl Ester Composite

Natural fibers have been used to reinforce materials in many composite structures. Many types of natural fibers have been investigated including flax, hemp, ramie, sisal, abaca, banana etc., due to the advantage that they are light weight, renewable resources and have marketing appeal. These agricultural wastes can also be used to prepare fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites in various combinations for commercial use. Application of composite materials in structural applications has presented the need for the engineering analysis. The present work focuses on the fabrication of polymer matrix composites by using natural fibers like banana and cotton which are abundant in nature and analysing the effect of mechanical properties of the composites on different surface treatments on the fabric. The effect of various surface treatments (NaOH, SLS, KMnO4) on the mechanical properties namely tensile, flexural and impact was analyzed and are discussed in this project. Analysing the material characteristics of the compression moulded composites; their results were measured on sections of the material to make use of the natural fiber reinforced polymer composite material for automotive seat shell manufacturing.

Shear deformation behavior of hybrid composite (GFRP/CFRP)

AbstractThis paper presents the findings of shear deformation and behavior of hybrid composites consisting of unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) under shear loading. The use of hybrid composites for aeronautic and marine applications which improve the modulus of elasticity of glass fiber reinforced polymer while reducing costs of carbon has motivated the study on shear for hybrid composites. Several tests of 10 ° and 45 ° off axis shear have been performed to characterize shear deformation of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer, unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer and three different orientations and layups of glass fiber reinforced polymer/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composite. The shear strain measurements have been conducted with the conventional method of rosette strain gauge and with digital image correlation (DIC) technique using the opensource platform Ncorr. The values of shear modulus obtained from experiment for glass fiber reinforced polymer and carbon fiber reinforced polymer are quite close with the manufacturers’ data sheet while the improvement of the shear modulus of the hybrid corresponds to the amount of carbon content in hybrid composition, similar to literature findings. Shear strain values measured for off axis shear test using rosette strain gauge are consistent with the results from digital image correlation technique but slightly differ with each other for hybrid composites due to full field measurement contour and complex shear deformation behavior for hybrid composite.

Effect of Moisture Absorption on the Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Filled Jute/Epoxy Hybrid Composites

The present work emphasizes on the mechanical properties such as micro-hardness, flexural and impact strength of jute fiber and Al2O3 filler based polymer composites at dry and wet conditions. Composite samples reinforced with different wt.% of fibers and filler were prepared by hand lay-up technique. To improve the mechanical properties, jute fiber was hybridized with Al2O3 filler. The maximum flexural strength of 72.94 MPa and impact strength of 1.902 J is obtained for composites with 30 wt.% fiber content and 10 wt.% of filler content. The hardness of composite increases with increase in fiber and filler loading i.e 40 wt.% fiber content and 10 wt.% of filler content. The maximum hardness value is obtained 29.9 Hv. The effect of water absorption on mechanical properties of jute reinforced hybrid polymer composites is also investigated. To determine the influence of water absorption on the mechanical properties, specimens were immersed in distilled water for 10 days before testing. For reference purpose, dry specimens were tested. It is observed that the rate of water absorption depends on the fiber content as well as filler content. All the mechanical properties of composites are decreased after water absorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to characterise the microstructure and failure mechanisms of dry and wet jute fiber reinforced polymer composites.

Studies on Natural/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites: An Evolution

Hybridization of natural/glass fiber reinforced polymer composites has been developing to build their applications in the field of engineering and technology. Present study deals with recent developments of natural fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites made by hand lay-up and compression molding techniques. This investigation is to understand an outline of the results presented on the incorporation of natural fiber with glass fiber reinforced polymer composites. It focuses the attention in terms of physical and mechanical characteristics of hybrid composites and related studies have cited. Hybrid composites made of two different natural fibers with glass fiber are less widespread comparable to natural/glass fiber, yet it prompts grow the applications.

New approach to production of fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites

Abstract This study addresses the new approach into production of fiber-based hybrid composites, that is in-situ formation of polуmer fiber net out of polymeric matrix combined with simultaneous orientation of the foreign filler fibers. Such hybrid composite can consist of three and more components, including filler fibers, polуmer fibers and a non-oriented polymer matrix. This possibility is demonstrated with using the system of linear low-density polyethylene – basalt fibers (LLDPE/BFs). The hybrid effect (double Young's modulus, yield stress higher by the factor of 1.3, triple impact strength of LLDPE) is achieved owing to self-reinforcing process and enhancing of the interfacial interaction as a result of fiber orientation and formation of effective physical entanglements between the BFs and the net of interwoven LLDPE fibers.

Improved mechanical properties of carbon fiber/graphene oxide-epoxy hybrid composites

The mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites depend upon fiber-matrix interfacial properties. In this investigation to improve the mechanical properties of polymer composites, graphene oxide was used as one of the filler for the development of carbon fiber/graphene oxide-epoxy hybrid composites. Initially, epoxy resin was modified by incorporating different weight% of graphene oxide from 0.1 to 0.6 wt%. The desired size of carbon fiber fabric was impregnated with modified epoxy resin to develop hybrid composites by compression molding technique. The graphene oxide synthesized was characterized by various techniques such as FTIR, XPS, NMR, XRD and Raman Spectroscopy. It is observed that graphene oxide synthesized possesses different type of functional groups which are responsible for making interactions with epoxy resin and Carbon fibers. The hybrid composite flexural strength increases by 66%, flexural modulus by 72%, while interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) increases by 25% at 0.3 wt% of graphene oxide included in the carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites. The enhancement in the properties of composites at the percolation threshold of graphene oxide is due to hydrogen type bonding and mechanical interlocking of graphene oxide with carbon fibers and epoxy resin. The graphene oxide utilization is one of the approaches for improving the properties of carbon fiber polymer composites.

Characterization of sisal/cotton fibre woven mat reinforced polymer hybrid composites

The present research work addressed the results of experimental investigation on the mechanical properties and free vibration behaviours of sisal/cotton fabric reinforced polyester hybrid composites. Influence of fibre content and changing layer pattern (CLP) on the mechanical properties and free vibration characteristics are analysed. Hybrid composites are fabricated with simple hand lay-up method followed by compression moulding process. Natural frequency and modal damping values of hybrid composites are analysed by experimental modal analysis. Mechanical properties of composites are measured according to ASTM standards. It is found that an increase in the lamina content in the composite increase the mechanical and damping properties. The maximum mechanical properties are obtained for 40% fibre volume fraction ( Vf) in sisal and cotton direction. Maximum natural frequency is found at 40% fibre Vf. By CLP, mechanical properties and damping characteristics are found intermittence of sisal and cotton direction. Scanning electron microscopy is performed to study the interfacial mechanism. The various theoretical models are discussed with experimental results. The statistical approach is used to analyse the experimental results and give the inferences.

Analysis of the Wheat Straw/Flax Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites

El Messiry M* and El Deeb R Textile Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt *Corresponding Author: Magdi El Messiry Textile Engineering Department Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University Alexandria, Egypt Tel: +20 35921675 E-mail: mmessiry@yahoo.com Received date: September 29, 2016; Accepted date: November 24, 2016; Published date: November 28, 2016 Citation: El Messiry M, El Deeb R (2016) Analysis of the Wheat Straw/Flax Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites. J Appl Mech Eng 5: 240. doi:10.4172/2168-9873.1000240 Copyright: © 2016 El Messiry M, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

The performance of bio waste fibres reinforced polymer hybrid composite

In the present communication, the bio waste bagasse and coir fibres with different proportions were used as reinforcements to vinyl ester-based matrices. The effects of fibre content on mechanical properties, tribological behaviour (wear resistance) and machinability (drill hole analysis) of hybrid composite materials were studied. An improvement in strength and stiffness combined with high toughness was achieved by varying the fibre content. In wear testing, 40 wt% composite showed good wear resistance. In drill hole profile analysis, composite with 40 wt% fibre content shows elastic re-bounce than other composite materials. 40 wt% composite shows better dimensional accuracy than 50 wt% composites.

Mechanical Characterization of Jute and Glass Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites

Mechanical Characterization of Jute and Glass Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites

Evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of bamboo–glass hybrid fiber reinforced polymer composite

Effect of stacking sequence of mechanical and tribological properties woven bamboo–glass fabric reinforced polymer hybrid composites has been investigated experimentally. Laminate samples were fabricated by hand layup technique in a mold and cured under light pressure at room temperature for 48 h. All the laminates were made with a total of four plies, by varying the number and position of glass layers so as to obtain five different stacking sequences. One group of all bamboo laminate was also fabricated for comparison purpose. Specimen preparation and testing were carried out as per ASTM standards. The results indicated that the properties of bamboo composite can be significantly improved by incorporation of glass fiber in polymer composite. The layer sequence has greater effect on mechanical and tribological properties of hybrid composite.

A Review on Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites

Natural fibres will take a major role in the emerging “green” economy based on energy efficiency, the use of renewable materials in polymer products, industrial processes that reduce carbon emissions and recyclable materials that minimize waste. Natural fibres are a kind of renewable resources, which have been renewed by nature and human ingenuity for thousands of years. They are also carbon neutral; they absorb the equal amount of carbon dioxide they produce. These fibers are completely renewable, environmental friendly, high specific strength, non-abrasive, low cost, and bio-degradability. Due to these characteristics, natural fibers have recently become attractive to researchers and scientists as an alternative method for fibers reinforced composites. This review paper summarized the history of natural fibers and its applications. Also, this paper focused on different properties of natural fibers (such as hemp, jute, bamboo and sisal) and its applications which were used to substitute glass fiber.

Tensile behavior of aluminum/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites at intermediate strain rates

Tensile behaviors of aluminum/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites with different carbon fiber reinforced polymer stacking sequences were measured at strain rates between 0.001/s and 100/s and properties of the hybrid composites were compared to the results of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced polymer tested under the same conditions. In the aluminum specimen, negative strain rate sensitivity resulted in a significant decrease in the tensile strength and positive strain rate sensitivity resulted in an increase in failure strain at higher strain rates. However, in the hybrid composite specimen, both the tensile strength and the failure strain could be increased as the strain rate increased by reinforcing the aluminum with carbon fiber reinforced polymer. The differences in tensile properties and the degree of strain rate sensitivity were extensive depending on the stacking sequence of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer layer. A Weibull function with scale parameter σ0 and shape parameter β was used in order to describe the relation between stress and strain of aluminum/carbon fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composites, and the constitutive equation established by the Weibull function described the tensile behavior of the hybrid composites very well.