Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites Research Articles

Transparent Multilayer Acrylic Composites Reinforced with Poly(Acrylated Urethane) Filled Low Grammage Bacterial Cellulose Nanopaper.

Cellulose nanopaper is a material structure that possesses high mechanical performance and is widely regarded as a promising 2D reinforcement for polymer matrix composites. This work explores the use of low grammage bacterial cellulose (BC) nanopaper as reinforcement for poly(acrylated urethane) interlayer adhesive to increase the impact performance of multilayer acrylic composites. The BC nanopaper is impregnated with an acrylated urethane resin and laminated between acrylic sheets to create BC/acrylic composites consisting of one, three, and five layers of BC nanopaper-reinforced poly(acrylated urethane) interlayer adhesive(s). Both the poly(acrylated urethane)-filled BC nanopaper interlayer adhesive and the resulting laminated acrylic composites are optically transparent. The incorporation of BC nanopaper into the poly(acrylated urethane) interlayer adhesive improves the tensile modulus by eightfold and the single-edge notched fracture toughness by 60% compared to neat poly(acrylated urethane). It is also found that using poly(acrylated urethane)-filled BC nanopaper interlayer adhesive proves beneficial to the impact properties of the resulting laminated acrylic composites. In Charpy impact testing, the impact strength of the multilayer acrylic composites increases by up to 130% compared to the "gold-standard" impact-modified monolithic acrylic, with a BC loading of only 1.6wt%.

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.

Influence of washing with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) surfactant on different properties of ramie fibres

Green composite materials are a means of reducing reliance on synthetic and especially single-use plastics (SUP) and raising public awareness of the need for urgent action to protect the planet. Natural (lignocellulosic) fibres are increasingly utilized as the reinforcement in polymer matrix composites, in search for increased renewability and sustainability. This work concerns the effect of washing ramie (Boehmeria nivea) fibres using sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) surfactant. The SLS-treated ramie fibres were examined for their morphological, physical, thermal, structural, and mechanical properties by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile testing. SLS treated ramie fibres density and crystallinity index values were 1.23 g/cc and 84.5%, respectively, with a very high cellulose content of 81.3%, because hemicellulose and loose particles were dissolved. SEM images depicted the relevant changes, with no significant damage on treated fibre surfaces. With some assistance from the treatment, fibres initiated their degradation only above 250 °C, culminating at 327 °C, which appears suitable for the manufacturing of composites with the most common matrices.

Mechanical characterization of novel Parthenium hysterophorus and Jute reinforced polymer matrix composites for light weight medium load applications and application of MADM-VIKOR approach

This study explores the use of natural fibers in composite materials to enhance mechanical properties and reduce water absorption for lightweight medium load applications. The approach involves hybridizing Parthenium hysterophorus (PH) and Jute with epoxy L-12 matrix in different stacking sequences to create four tri-layer composites. Mechanical tests following ASTM standards revealed that composites with Jute fibers on top and PH fibers in the middle exhibit superior mechanical performance and reduced water absorption, making them suitable for such applications. The tensile strength of composite (CP4) with PH fiber at center and Jute fibers at extreme was found to be 1.7 times higher compared to composite with all three layers of PH fiber (CP1). Similarly, the flexural strength and compressive strength of CP4 is found to be 60% and 80.5% more compared to CP1. Shore D hardness of CP4 is found to be 1.29 times better compared to CP1. Whereas the energy absorption due to impact load of CP1 is better compared to its counter parts wit CP1 exhibiting 71.15 times better compared to CP4. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of fractured surfaces provides insights into fiber bonding and fracture mechanisms. Overall, this research underscores the potential of natural fiber hybrid composites for improved mechanical characteristics and water resistance in various applications, highlighting specific fiber combinations and stacking sequences.

Characterization of a novel natural plant-based fiber from reddish shell bean as a potential reinforcement in bio-composites

AbstractThe main aim of this study is to identify a new sustainable plant-based fiber extracted from the reddish shell bean plant to investigate its usage in polymer matrix composites. Natural reddish shell bean fiber was extracted from vegetable shells with a biological degradation method. To determine the fiber characteristic properties, physical, chemical, and instrumental tests were performed on reddish shell bean fiber. The surface of the sample was determined with a scanning electron microscope, and it shows that the fiber has a rough surface along its length. In addition, an image processing approach was devised and implemented to determine the average fiber diameter of the reddish shell bean fiber. The elemental composition of fiber was obtained as 50.67 wt.% oxygen, 47.89 wt.% carbon, and 1.52 wt.% calcium with an energy disperse X-ray analysis device. In addition, fiber diameter was predicted as 785.87 μm with the image processing technique. The fiber density was measured as 1080 kg/m3. The crystallinity index of reddish shell bean fiber was calculated as 57%, and the fiber stables up to 328.23°C. The ultimate tensile strength of reddish shell bean fiber was obtained as 111 MPa. The elongation at break and estimated values of Young’s modulus of reddish shell bean fiber are 1.83% and 6.11 GPa, respectively. According to the results, reddish shell bean fiber can be utilized as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites.

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.

Impact Performance Improvement of Multiscale Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites with CNT

Improving the interface properties of carbon nanotubes increases the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites. Studies on different fiber types and different polymer matrix materials present promising results in literature. The effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) additives on impact performance of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites produced by vacuum infusion method and drop weight impact test applied. Glass and carbon 1 m2 fiber fabrics were divided into 9 equal square pieces and placed on top of each other to make them multi-layered structure. Fiber reinforcements were produced using vacuum infusion method with epoxy resin. 0.5% of the total composite weight was added to CNT with same production parameters and intraply hybrid composite containing glass, carbon and aramid fibers was also produced. Samples were produced from the composite plates and the drop weight impact test was performed with 50 J impact energy in accordance with ASTM D7136 standard. While this increase could be observed in glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced composites, the impact energy absorption performance in carbon fiber reinforced composite increased more than 100%. CNT increased the impact performance of multi-layer fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites.

Through‐thickness tensile characterization and analysis of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites using digital image correlation and finite element modeling

AbstractDigital image correlation (DIC) and finite element analysis (FEA) are used to assess the cylindrical spool‐shaped ASTM D7291 and I‐beam‐shaped specimens for through‐thickness (TT) mechanical characterization of thick (~25 mm) fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. The composites are made of E‐glass woven fabrics reinforcing a vinyl ester matrix. DIC full‐field measurements and FEA showed a rather uniform strain distribution within the gage section of the ASTM D7291 specimen. However, strain concentrations are revealed at the bondlines between the end‐tabs and the test specimen, in addition to strain gradients at the curved section of the specimen. DIC‐measured and FEA‐predicted strain fields of the I‐beam specimens exhibited a region of uniform strain distribution within the gage section larger than that of the ASTM D7291 specimen. Nevertheless, high stress concentrations at the fillet (curved flange‐to‐web transition) regions and some amount of web bending occur in the I‐beam specimen. Beyond providing the TT mechanical properties of the E‐glass woven/vinyl ester composites, the current work discusses advantages and caveats of both promising specimens, providing quantifications of stress concentration factors and length of zones were strains and stresses may be considered uniform.Highlights Stress/strain distributions of through‐thickness tensile specimens are evaluated. The main drawback of the spool‐shaped specimen is adhesive failure. The modified I‐beam specimen shows acceptable stress concentration factors. The modified I‐beam is adequate for strength and Poisson ratio characterization. I‐beam specimens are easier to manufacture and do not require adhesive joints.

Development of EPDM composites reinforced by CNTs@SiO2 for thermal protection systems of aerospace propulsion: Significant improvement in oxidation and ablation resistance properties

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced Polymer-Matrix Composites (PMCs) is widely used as insulation materials in thermal protection system of aerospace propulsion. However, CNTs are prone to oxidation and have high thermal conductivities, which makes it difficult to improve the ablation resistance of insulation materials that contain CNTs. SiO2 was encapsulated onto the surface of CNTs (CNTs@SiO2), which were then added to Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber to prepare the insulation materials. Thermogravimetric analysis and ablation test were used to evaluate the resistance of the insulation materials to thermal oxidation and ablation. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was performed to analyze their microstructures. Results revealed that the addition of CNTs@SiO2 could visibly reduce the effects of hot corrosion and ablation on insulation materials. The C-CNTs@SiO2-1 formulation had the best ablative resistance. Further, compared with the unencapsulated formulation (C-CNTs-10), the C-CNTs@SiO2-1 formulation reduced the line ablation rate by 51% to 0.0130 mm/s after oxygen-acetylene experiments. Lastly, the ablation mechanism was investigated based on the effects of the CNTs@SiO2 additive on their properties. Thus, the improvement in ablation performance may be attributed to CNTs@SiO2-induced decreases in thermal conductivity, improvement in the hot corrosion resistance in the char layer, and changes in the microstructure.

Response of trigger type to crash box energy absorption performance

In this study, carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites were produced to investigate the trigger effect on energy absorption performance. Production was carried out by vacuum infusion method. Three types of trigger geometry were opened on the composite crash boxes produced and a comparison sample without trigger was prepared. The quasi-static compression tests of these four different samples were carried out and the energy absorption performances of the samples were evaluated with the obtained data. In addition, the damages of the samples were examined, and it was revealed how they changed with the trigger. Accordingly, the sample described as S-2, and the triggered sample, which consists of four symmetrical slits downwards from its upper surface, exhibited the best performance.

Influence of the stacking on mechanical and physical properties of jute/banana natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

Influence of the stacking on mechanical and physical properties of jute/banana natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

Mechanical Performance and Failure Analysis of a 3D-Printed "Continuous Layer-Lattice Layer-Continuous Layer" Sandwich Structure.

Sandwich structures are engineered with continuous layers surrounding the inner lattices, which combines the advantages of the high strength of the continuous layer and the light weight of the lattice layer. They are widely employed in weight-critical energy-absorbing engineering fields such as aerospace, automobile, and robotics. However, the application of sandwich structures made of polymer matrix composites is still limited due to lack of essential performance investigation and adequate reference data. The following innovative works are accomplished in this paper: (i) Continuous long glass fiber (CGF) is employed within the continuous layer of the sandwich structure, with composite short carbon fiber/polyamide (SCF/N) applied within the lattice layer. (ii) Sandwich structures with different cell types and orientations of the lattice infills are designed and prepared by additive manufacturing. (iii) The basic mechanical properties of the sandwich structures, i.e., the bi-directional tension/compression compound performance, failure modes and mechanisms in characteristic directions, are analyzed systematically. (iv) The effects of geometric features on the three-point bending properties of L-shaped sandwich structures are investigated and compared with those of pure SCF/N structures. The results show that the bending resistance per unit weight was up to 54.3% larger than that of pure SCF/N, while the weight could be decreased by 49%, and the bending flexibility before fracture could be increased by 44%. These studies contribute fundamental research data to the application of sandwich structures prepared by fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites.

Recent Progress on Moisture Absorption Aging of Plant Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites.

Plant fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites have attracted much attention in many industries due to their abundant resources, low cost, biodegradability, and lightweight properties. Compared with synthetic fibers, various plant fibers are easy to obtain and have different characteristics, making them a substitute for synthetic fiber composite materials. However, the aging phenomenon of composite materials has been a key issue that hinders development. In natural environments, moisture absorption performance leads to serious degradation of the mechanical properties of composite materials, which delays the use of composite materials in humid environments. Therefore, the effects of moisture absorption performance of plant fiber composite materials on their mechanical properties have been summarized in this article, as well as various treatment methods to reduce the water absorption of composite materials.

Laser-induced heating, property changes, and damage modes in carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix woven composites

Despite numerous efforts to understand mechanical damage in carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites, there are minimal experimental and computational efforts that incorporate temperature effects on mechanical performance of composites. Recent studies have shown temperature changes can be readily monitored and predicted under relatively low heat fluxes. The present study augments such prior work by exploring effects of higher heat fluxes and increased heating rates. Plain-woven composites with T650 carbon fibers in a bismaleimide 5250-4 matrix were heated with a continuous wave laser (3.0 cm diameter flat-top beam profile at 1.0692 μm). Laser powers and durations were designed to reach temperatures near, and exceeding, matrix decomposition temperatures. Three duplicates of specimens were irradiated with four powers and two durations, yielding an irradiance range of 4.2 – 12.7 W/cm2. Resulting spatial and temporal temperature changes were measured with calibrated infrared cameras for both composite surfaces. Post-test surface photography and X‐ray CT scans were used to assess morphology changes and damage characteristics. Two key findings are reported herein: (i) delamination events dramatically impacted thermal transport, and (ii) TGA data and appropriate kinetic models can be used to account for temperature- / rate- dependent thermal responses and damage behaviors in the composites.

INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF BORASSUS FLABELLIFER SPROUT FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITES

Natural fibers have been extensively used for many decades. This work investigates the suitability of Borassus flabellifer sprout fiber, a new class of fibers, as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. Borassus flabellifer sprouts are also called palm sprouts. The fibers were extracted by the water retting method and treated with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to remove the impurities present in the fiber to achieve better bonding with the matrix. Scanning electron microscopic images of raw and alkali treated Borassus sprout fibers were studied. Composite specimens were made with 20, 25, 30 and 35 volume % of treated and untreated palm sprout fibers, respectively, in a polyester matrix by the hand layup technique and by the compression molding technique. Tensile strength, flexural strength, compression strength, impact strength, hardness and water absorption of sample specimens were determined. Experimental results showed that the composite specimens with 35 volume % of treated palm sprout fibers as reinforcement performed better in all aspects. They have 30.34% higher tensile strength, 34.47% higher flexural strength, 3.14% increased compression strength and 15.56% better impact strength and 7.6% less water absorption than the composite plates reinforced with 35% untreated palm sprout fibers. Thus, the composites showed adequate mechanical properties to be considered for specific applications.

Investigation of dynamic properties of GLARE and CARALL hybrid composites: Numerical and experimental results

Fibre metal laminate (FML) composites are hybrid structures made of various metal sheets and fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites. These materials are preferred in the aircraft, automobile, and aerospace industries due to their high performance. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the vibration behaviour in the design process. In this study, the vibration behaviours of FMLs are examined numerically and experimentally. Firstly, the governing equations of the FML plate are determined based on classical plate theory. The generalized differential quadrature method (GDQ) is used in numerical analysis. Then, to prove the accuracy of the numerical model, the natural frequencies are compared with the experimental results. It is seen that the numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Finally, the effects of material properties, geometry, and different boundary conditions on the dynamic properties of the FML composites are investigated. The results indicate that as the number of aluminium layers in the structure increases, natural frequencies are also significantly affected. When the Al layers are moved from the surface to the centre, it causes a reduction in the first natural frequencies of the structure. Morever, the boundary conditions substantially impact the natural frequency of the FML plates.

Study on filler reinforcement in polymer matrix composites – A review

Compositereinforced with fibre are being increasingly popular, owing to their low weight, remarkable stiffness, corrosion resistant, endurance, strength, damping characteristics, flexural properties, renewability, antibacterial abilities, and fire resistance. Due to their beneficial features, polymer-based composites play an essential and vital role in present era due to their valuable properties such as lightweight, tough, recyclable, biodegradable, abundant in nature, and having a negligible cost and low density. They are used in industries such like automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction. The purpose of this study is to discuss how fibre qualities may be magically customized using composite technology. Physical properties: Solubility, heat effect on polymer, Chemical properties: such as corrosion resistance, lack of conductivity, Mechanical Properties: Tensile, toughness, elasticity, and compressive load. Various issues such as reinforcement type and reinforcing materials were adequately addressed. The current evaluation focuses primarily on the various fillers and their impact on the polymer matrix composite as mentioned by several studies.

Mechanical Properties Optimization of Hybrid Aramid and Jute Fabrics-Reinforced Graphene Nanoplatelets in Functionalized HDPE Matrix Nanocomposites.

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) have been used as a reinforcement for polymer matrix composites in the past couple of decades. Their biodegradability, renewability, and abundance make them appealing for sustainable materials. However, synthetic fibers surpass NLFs in mechanical and thermal properties. Combining these fibers as a hybrid reinforcement in polymeric materials shows promise for multifunctional materials and structures. Functionalizing these composites with graphene-based materials could lead to superior properties. This research optimized the tensile and impact resistance of a jute/aramid/HDPE hybrid nanocomposite by the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). The hybrid structure with 10 jute/10 aramid layers and 0.10 wt.% GNP exhibited a 2433% increase in mechanical toughness, a 591% increase in tensile strength, and a 462% reduction in ductility compared to neat jute/HDPE composites. A SEM analysis revealed the influence of GNP nano-functionalization on the failure mechanisms of these hybrid nanocomposites.

Effect of Alternating Hybridisation of Fibres on the Physico - Mechanical Behaviour of Composite Materials

Abstract The performance/weight ratio of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites makes them the material of choice for structural applications in many fields such as aerospace, aeronautics, automotive and civil engineering...etc. In polymer matrix composites, the fibers used as reinforcement are mainly synthetic fibers such as carbon and/or glass fibers. To ensure the low cost of using fiber-reinforced materials in motor vehicles, it is proposed to selectively incorporate carbon fibers to enhance glass fiber composites along the roadway, and to enhance glass fiber composites along the main load path. For this purpose, we conducted a behavioral study of hybrid epoxy thermoset polymer matrix laminates to highlight the influence of alternate hybridization of glass and carbon fibers on the physical-mechanical behavior of the materials.The results obtained show that the alternated hybridation of the fibers has a significant influence on the tensile properties; and it affected the density, hardness and flexural properties significantly.

Extraction and Characterization of Sponge Gourd Outer Skin Fiber

ABSTRACT Plant-derived natural fibers have recently been used as a promising reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. Fibers from the inner sponge of the luffa cylindrica fruit have been the subject of several studies as reinforcement in various polymer resins. However, no research has been done on the Sponge Gourd Outer Skin Fiber (SGOSF). The present work is aimed to extract and characterize the chemical and physical properties of novel natural lignocellulosic fiber obtained from the outer skin (waste material) of the matured Luffa Cylindrica plant fruit. Characteristic studies on chemical composition, chemical structure, chemical compounds, thermal stability, and morphology of luffa cylindrica outer skin fibers (SGOSF) were investigated. The results revealed that SGOSF had cellulose (81.69 wt. %), lignin (10.14 wt. %), wax (0.22 wt.%), and ash content (1.18 wt. %). The density of the SGOSF was reported as 1.394 g/cm3. Thermal study results indicate SGOSF were withstanding the temperature up to 320°C. Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) was done to determine the molecular structure of SGOSFs. The SGOSFs show tensile strength of 438.5 MPa. These results revealed that SGOSFs could be a sound reinforcement in the polymer matrix composites for various applications.