Reinforcement Material Research Articles

Fabrication and characterization of a composite material from polymer matrix using citrus limetta fiber

Natural fibers, known for their excellent mechanical properties, non-abrasiveness, affordability, high specific strength, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability, are increasingly being considered as potential replacements for synthetic fibers like glass and carbon. This study investigates the use of Citrus limetta peel fibers to develop and characterize a polymer matrix composite. The fibers were extracted, purified, and coated with epoxy resin, then developed into composites using the hand layup method and cured in an oven. Mechanical tests, including hardness, impact, tensile strength, and compression strength, were conducted to assess the composites. The results showed that fiber reinforcement significantly enhanced mechanical stability, with compression strength and ultimate tensile strength reaching 231.39 MPa and 22.68 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and moisture absorption tests were also performed. Additionally, Ansys workbench software was utilized for further analysis. The study concludes that Citrus limetta peel fibers are a viable reinforcement material for polymer matrix composites, offering enhanced mechanical properties. This research is relevant for applications in industries seeking sustainable and high-performance composite materials.

Incorporation of Jute Fiber in Concrete: A Literature Review

Abstract: This systematic literature review delves into the incorporation of jute fiber as a reinforcement material in concrete, examining its benefits, challenges, and potential applications. Jute fiber, a natural and biodegradable material, presents an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fibers commonly used in concrete reinforcement. The utilization of jute fibers in concrete not only enhances its mechanical properties but also promotes sustainable construction practices, addressing the growing need for environmentally responsible building materials. The review synthesizes existing research on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of jute fiber-reinforced concrete (JFRC). It explores how the unique characteristics of jute fibers, such as their high tensile strength and low density, contribute to improved concrete performance, particularly in terms of tensile and flexural strength. The addition of jute fibers helps mitigate crack propagation and enhances the ductility of concrete, making it more resilient to dynamic loads. Despite these benefits, challenges such as the hydrophilic nature of jute fibers, which can lead to increased water absorption and potential durability issues, are also addressed. Various chemical treatments and surface modifications have been explored to improve the compatibility of jute fibers with the cement matrix and enhance the overall durability of JFRC

Interfacial bonding mechanism of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced AZ91D magnesium alloy prepared by semi-solid injection molding

The incompatibility between the strength and thermal conductivity of magnesium alloys limits their application in heat dissipation components. Magnesium matrix composites were obtained by adding reinforcements into the AZ91D alloy to achieve synergistic enhancement of mechanical and thermal conductivity to promote the application of magnesium alloy. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced magnesium matrix composites were successfully prepared by semi-solid injection molding. The high viscosity of the semi-solid metal slurry contributes to the homogeneous dispersion of GNPs in the magnesium matrix. A GNPs/MgO/Mg heterostructure with high interfacial bonding strength was found at the interface of GNPs and α-Mg matrix. The semi-solid casting method improves the mechanical properties of the composites by grain refinement and simultaneously reduces the thermal conductivity. The addition of GNPs can balance the mechanical and thermal conductivity enhancement, and the most balanced properties of the composites are obtained when the content of GNPs is 0.3 wt%, with a tensile strength of 243.1 MPa, Vickers hardness of 93.7 HV, and thermal conductivity of 74.8 W/(m·K). Therefore, the semi-solid forming method is considered a promising processing method, and GNPs is considered an ideal reinforcement material to improve the performance of the magnesium matrix.

Impact of Starch-Based Bioplastic Film Reinforced with Alkaline Treated Lemongrass Fibre and Lemongrass Essential Oil on the Barrier and Mechanical Properties

Bioplastic has been gaining interest over the years to replace the used of synthetic plastic especially in food packaging application due to its biodegradable nature and non-toxicity feature. However, their lack in mechanical properties and water sensitivity retards it wide application. In this research, starch-based composite bioplastics film is prepared using solution casting method, which composed of alkaline treated lemongrass fibre (2-10 wt%) and lemongrass essential oil (1-3%) as the reinforcement material. Fiber characterization was conducted to evaluate the structural, thermal and morphology of the treated fibre. The effect reinforcement on barrier and mechanical properties of the bioplastic film was investigated. Results indicated that treated lemongrass fibre improve the surface texture of lemongrass fibre that enables it to integrate well with the starch matrix. It can be observed by the improvement of mechanical properties of reinforced bioplastic film up to 2.5MPa. Th incorporation of lemongrass essential oil significantly enhanced barrier properties of the reinforced bioplastic by reducing the water uptake up to 30%. Findings indicate that the starch-based bioplastic were suitable for food packaging application.

Evaluation of dry sliding wear characteristics of hybrid a356 composite

As advancements in lightweight and synthetic materials have evolved, our ability to tailor materials to meet societal demands has expanded. Aluminium alloys, known for their high strength-to-weight ratio and cost-effectiveness, are extensively utilized in engineering applications, including structural casting and automotive components. This study employed the stir casting method to investigate the impact of silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr) on a hybrid A356 composite, aiming to enhance its tribological applicability. SiC and Gr particles were processed using a vibratory ball milling machine for two hours, followed by composite fabrication with varying particle sizes. Microstructural investigation using optical microscopy revealed maximum hardness values of 127 BHN and 125 BHN for A356 composites reinforced with 12.50% SiC, 15.50% Gr, and 11.43% SiC, 15.86% Gr, respectively. Wear rate analysis demonstrated that reinforced A356 composites exhibited higher wear resistance compared to unreinforced alloys. Notably, the sample reinforced with 11.43% SiC and 15.86% Gr displayed exceptional wear resistance. Photo micrographs of A356-SiC-Gr samples at different sliding distances, velocities, and loads revealed minimal plastic deformation during wear testing, resulting in abrasive and cohesive wear. Overall, this study underscores the effectiveness of graphite (Gr) and silicon carbide (SiC) as reinforcement materials for enhancing the tribological properties of A356 composites.

Determining the mechanical properties of biomaterial-based economic thermoplastic composites reinforced with hemp fibres

In this study, continuous reinforcement materials of hemp fibres and matrix polymers (staple polylactic acid (PLA), staple bicomponent PLA) were carded in a conventional carding machine. Various proportions of the hemp fibre reinforcement material, ranging from 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% were used in the production of biocomposite structures. We have further studied the effect of several carding passages (up to 3 passages) on the strength performance of both the staple PLA and the staple bicomponent PLA matrix. To obtain composite samples, the carded webs were further consolidated in the hot press machine. Further mechanical performance analysis was carried out in both the cross direction as well as parallel to the machine direction. It was observed that the introduction of reinforcing hemp fibre shows an increase in tensile strength up to the critical fibre loading amount and a decrease in tensile strength after the critical fibre loading amount. The highest tensile strength of 35.84 MPa was obtained for (40HEMP / 60PLA / M / P3), applied to the composite structures in the machine production direction, while the lowest value was 14.70 MPa (60HEMP / 40BPLA / M / P1), respectively.

Application Progress of Multi-Functional Polymer Composite Nanofibers Based on Electrospinning: A Brief Review.

Nanomaterials are known as the most promising materials of the 21st century, among which nanofibers have become a hot research and development topic in academia and industry due to their high aspect ratio, high specific surface area, high molecular orientation, high crystallinity, excellent mechanical properties, and many other advantages. Electrospinning is the most important preparation method for nanofibers and their thin membranes due to its controllability, versatility, low cost, and simplicity. Adding nanofillers such as ceramics, metals, and carbon materials to the electrospinning polymer solutions to prepare composites can further improve the mechanical strength and multi-functionality of nanofibers and their thin membranes and also provide possibilities for their widespread applications. Based on the rapid development in the field of polymer composite nanofibers, this review focuses on polyurethane (PU)-based composite nanofibers as the main representative and reviews their latest practical applications in many fields such as sound-absorbing materials, biomedical materials (including tissue engineering implants, drug delivery systems, wound dressings and other anti-bacterial materials, health materials, etc.), wearable sensing devices and energy harvesters, adsorbent materials, electromagnetic shielding materials, and reinforcement materials. Finally, a summary of their performance-application relationship and prospects for further development are given. This review is expected to provide some practical experience and theoretical guidance for further developments in related fields.

Thermo-hydro-mechanical viscoplastic constitutive model for polyester strap reinforcement long-term response

Polymeric materials have been shown to be rate-dependent materials, that is, their response will vary depending on the conditions to which they are subjected. The present work details the formulation, validation and implementation of a viscoplastic constitutive model with stress, strain, temperature, and relative humidity dependencies aimed to simulate the long-term response of polymeric materials, particularly that of polyester. The model is capable of predicting primary and secondary creep, often observed in geosynthetic materials. Both creep mechanisms can be modelled independently if needed. For calibration, a wide data-set of polyester strap reinforcement creep measurements was used. The validation process was done using parameters for load-, product-, and material-specific scenarios. Load- and product-specific scenarios showed suitable agreement between simulated and measured data. The coupled capabilities of the model are shown via variable temperature and relative humidity boundary conditions. Due to lack of data, temperature and relative humidity dependencies represent idealized scenarios. Simulations of stress-relaxation response for constant rate of strain scenarios are also provided. The proposed formulation is aimed at modelling the mechanical response of reinforced soil structures while accounting for the effect of in-air or in-soil conditions to which reinforcement materials can be exposed to throughout the structure’s life-cycle.

Mechanical behaviour of 3D printed and textile-reinforced eco-friendly composites

3D printing has revolutionised construction with rapid, cost-effective production of complex designs. However, the growing literature focuses on cementitious mixtures with high energy requirements, neglecting eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, integrating reinforcement is challenging due to complex geometries and anisotropic nature of printed material. This study explores textile materials as reinforcement, offering shaping ease, strength, and design freedom. Two sustainable mixes were formulated: earth-based and lime-based. Composites of 3D-printed earth reinforced with jute fabric and 3D-printed lime reinforced with jute and glass fibre grids were produced. Flexural, compression, and splitting tensile tests were carried out to assess the impact of textile reinforcement. Results showed improved textile-matrix bonding enhanced load distribution and structural integrity. A second mixing, reducing torque value by about six times from its initial unprintable state, is crucial for lime-based mortar printability. Textile reinforcement increased strength by 142.8% and ductility by 1130.3%, demonstrating its effectiveness for sustainable 3D printing construction.

Optimization of structural reinforcement assessment for architectural heritage digital twins based on LiDAR and multi-source remote sensing

This study investigates the geometric modelling of architectural heritage digital twins constructed based on multi-source point cloud data and its effectiveness in structural reinforcement assessment. Particular emphasis has been placed on the use of static stiffness rules to identify areas of structural weakness in the geometric models of digital twins and the need for their reinforcement, in order to prevent potential structural problems and to ensure the long-term preservation of the built heritage. Taking Yingxian wooden pagoda as a study case, based on the collection of multi-source point cloud data, the digital twin geometric model is constructed through fine modelling, decoupling of digital models, and geometric transformation. This enhances the true reflection of the column-architrave structure morphology, providing a more accurate model for structural stress analysis. Based on verifying the accuracy of the digital twin geometric model, the instability conditions are identified through static stiffness rules and the deformation values at multiple points are analyzed, enabling precise identification of weak areas in the column-architrave structure. Two types of reinforcement measures are designed and simulated for the structural weak areas identified through the geometric modelling, and the optimal reinforcement scheme is obtained after detailed analysis, according to which specific adjustments and optimization strategies are proposed to enhance the overall stability and durability of the structure. The results showed that the maximum deformation value of 4.65 mm existed in column M2W23, which required reinforcement. Aluminum reinforcement reduced the deformation to 3.5 mm (24.7% reduction), while CFRP fabric reinforcement was more effective, reducing the deformation to 2.8 mm (39.7% reduction), showing high stability. The research results demonstrate the potential application of digital twin technology in architectural heritage preservation and restoration, providing methodological and empirical guidance for heritage preservation research.

Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Surface-Modified Carbon Nanoparticle Reinforced Epoxy Resin.

Surface-modified carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as reinforcement materials have attracted significant attention due to their potential for substantially enhancing mechanical properties. However, the development and application of CNP-enhanced polymeric materials are constrained by an incomplete understanding of their reinforcement mechanisms, impeding sustainable progress. In this study, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mechanical properties of surface-modified CNP-reinforced epoxy resin composites at the microscopic scale. The simulations focused on the tensile process and the nanopinning effect of CNPs within the epoxy resin matrix. Our results indicate that surface-modified CNPs form stronger interfacial connections with the epoxy resin, leading to enhanced mechanical strength of the composites. Quantitative analysis revealed that these composites exhibit higher tensile strength compared to nonmodified counterparts, with a significant improvement in stability due to the robust noncovalent interactions between CNPs and the epoxy matrix. This study elucidates the reinforcement mechanisms of surface-modified CNPs in polymers, providing valuable insights for further optimization and sustainable development of CNP-reinforced polymeric materials.

Research of influence of diluent on the mechanical behavior of triaxial warp-knitted composites

The composites are prepared by different processes of reinforcement and matrix, which are affected by the properties of reinforcement and matrix. In this study, composite specimens were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) with varying mass fractions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) of a diluent mixed with the resin and curing agent, serving as the matrix. Triaxial warp-knitted glass fabric was employed as the reinforcement material. The impact of the diluent mass fraction on the bending, impact, and creep properties of the composites was investigated. The least squares fitting method was applied to analyze the experimental data, leading to the establishment of a mathematical model correlating the diluent mass fraction with the bending strength. The optimal diluent mass fraction for achieving the best bending properties was determined. Furthermore, the failure mechanisms of the composites were examined through an analysis of their thermodynamic properties, reaction principles, and fracture morphologies. The results show that the epoxy group in the diluent will be connected to the cross-linking network structure of epoxy resin by ring-opening reaction, and excessive addition will lead to the increase of flexible chain segments, which makes the mechanical properties of the specimens increase first and then decrease. The mathematical model was verified by experiments, and the mass fraction of diluent was 9.65% when the bending property was optimal.

Multi-Functional Repair and Long-Term Preservation of Paper Relics by Nano-MgO with Aminosilaned Bacterial Cellulose.

Paper relics, as carrieres of historical civilization's records and inheritance, could be severely acidic and brittle over time. In this study, the multi-functional dispersion of nanometer magnesium oxide (MgO) carried by 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane-modified bacterial cellulose (KH550-BC) was applied in the impregnation process to repair aged paper, aiming at solving the key problems of anti-acid and strength recovery in the protection of ancient books. The KH550-BC/MgO treatment demonstrated enhanced functional efficacy in repairing aged paper, attributed to the homogeneous and stable distribution of MgO within the nanofibers of BC networks, with minimal impact on the paper's wettability and color. Furthermore, the treatment facilitated the formation of adequate alkali reserves and hydrogen bonding, resulting in superior anti-aging properties in the treated paper during prolonged preservation. Even after 30 days of hygrothermal aging tests, the paper repaired by KH550-BC/MgO was still in a gently alkaline environment (pH was about 7.56), alongside a 32.18% elevation compared to the untreated paper regarding the tear index. The results of this work indicate that KH550-BC/MgO is an effective reinforcement material for improving the long-term restoration of ancient books.

Property investigation of functionally graded materials leaf spring plate fabricated through stir casting process by using new gradient evaluation method

AbstractAutomobile and aviation industries require lightweight solutions in the suspension system to improve overall performance and payload capacity. This can be achieved by materials having high strength to weight ratio. Fiber composites, known for their lightweight and high strength, face a major issue of delamination, which shortens the lifespan of fiber‐reinforced polymer leaf springs. Current researchers are emphasizing the use of functionally graded materials as a promising alternative to tackle this problem. In the present work, a functionally graded leaf spring plate was fabricated using stir casting technique with five layered gradations in the mid portion. The amount of molten material required for each gradation was ensured using a novel experimental technique. On the other hand, the matrix and reinforcement have been adopted from the output of the analysis conducted using CES EduPack 2019 software. Low density and high fatigue strength were primary focal point for the consideration of matrix and reinforcement materials. Aluminium 7075 and boron carbide were considered as matrix and reinforcement materials respectively. Stir casting technique, used in the present work, is simple, suitable and cost effective technique which creates a gradation at central part of the leaf.

Structural Health Monitoring of Partially Replaced Carbon Fabric-Reinforced Concrete Beam

Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) is a composite concrete material that utilizes textile reinforcement in place of steel reinforcement. In this paper, the efficacy of the partial replacement of steel reinforcement with textile reinforcement as a technique to boost the flexural strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams was experimentally investigated. To increase the tensile strength of concrete, epoxy-coated carbon textile fabric was used as a reinforcing material alongside steel reinforcement. Beams were cast by partially replacing the steel reinforcement with carbon fabric. Partially replaced carbon fabric-reinforced concrete beams of size 1000 × 100 × 150 mm3 were cast by placing the fabrics in different layers. A four-point bending test was used to test cast beams as simply supported until failure. Then, 120 ohm strain gauges were used to study the stress–strain behavior of the control and TRC beams. Based on this experimental study, it was observed that 50% and 25% of the steel replaced with carbon fabric beams performed better than the conventional beam. ABAQUS software was used for numerical investigation. For the load deflection characteristics, a good agreement was found between the experimental and numerical results. Based on the experimental analysis carried out, a prediction model to determine the ultimate load-carrying capacity of TRC beams was created using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN).

Lignocellulose sustainable composites from agro-waste Asparagus bean stem fiber for polymer casting applications: Effect of fiber treatment

In the past decades, lignocellulose fibers have attracted significant attention due to their low density, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability. Consequently, researchers are intensifying their efforts to explore the potential of lignocellulosic fibers as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers in polymer composites. Among various natural fibers identified as potential reinforcements, agro-waste from the Asparagus Bean stem (ABS) which has been discarded as landfill after harvest has emerged as a promising source of lignocellulose fibers for promoting sustainability. This study investigates the reinforcement suitability of ABSF in polymer matrices. A water-retting process was used for extraction, followed by treatment with a 5 % alkali solution. Cellulose content was enhanced to 65 wt%, and fiber density increased to 1.13 g/cm3 after chemical treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated improved thermal stability of the treated fibers up to 247 °C. Morphological analysis showed increased surface roughness and impurity removal. To evaluate the reinforcing effect of the chemical treatment, epoxy composites with 10 wt% reinforcement were developed. The mechanical properties of these composites improved significantly, with more than 1.1 times when used alkali-treated ABSF as reinforcement. Flexural properties were substantially enhanced, with flexural strength increasing from 90.53 MPa to 122.71 MPa and flexural modulus from 2.41 GPa to 2.95 GPa due to better fiber-matrix interaction and removal of weak, amorphous constituents. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate that ABSF is a viable alternative raw material for composite reinforcement, suitable for developing lightweight structural applications.

Synergetic control of multi‐level interface structure of basalt fibers by plasma and chemical functionalization to enhance the mechanical, thermal and interfacial performances of PBZ composites

AbstractThe composites of polybenzoxazine (PBZ) containing functionalized plasma treatment basalt fibers (fP‐BFs) were fabricated through in‐situ polymerization‐mixing technique. fP‐BFs is an effective reinforcement material that can improve the mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties of composites. Surface activation of fP‐BFs can be enhanced through plasma modification, which improves the interaction between fP‐BFs and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. A systematic study on fP‐BFs/PBZ composite showed that a processing power of 300 W, a processing time of 5 min, and a fiber content of 9% can achieve good comprehensive mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that fP‐BFs‐7/PBZ has the highest thermal stability, and its carbon residue rate, decomposition temperature and thermal decomposition activation energy are 36.80%, 452.2 °C and 133.56 kJ/mol, respectively. The dynamic mechanical analysis experiment showed that the addition of fP‐BFs improved the Tg of the composites. Among them, fP‐BFs‐5/PBZ showed the highest Tg, reaching 233.2 °C.Highlights Plasma treatment produced multi‐level structure of basalt fibers (fP‐BFs). Polybenzoxazine (PBZ)/fP‐BFs composites showed excellent performance. Interfacial bonding mechanism between fP‐BFs and PBZ was elucidated. Interfacial interactions between BFs and PBZ contributed to property enhancement. This work provided a green fabrication strategy of PBZ composites.

Development of sustainable and high-performance polymer composite rebar using vegetable waste biochar and areca fiber as reinforcement materials for green construction

Development of sustainable and high-performance polymer composite rebar using vegetable waste biochar and areca fiber as reinforcement materials for green construction

Synthesis and characteristics of natural fiber reinforced nano hybrid composite – an experimental study

Abstract Recently, research on natural hybrid composites has occupied a significant role in the materials science sector. Due to the low density, high specific strength, dimensional stability, and biodegradability, natural fiber composite has become a predominant research area. The present study deals with the fabrication of a jute–banana fiber hybrid composite using the hand layup method with compression molding. A fixed concentration of 5 % carbon nanotubes (CNT) is included over the fiber surfaces as an additional reinforcement material to improve their thermal and electrical conduction properties. The prepared composite material is subjected to different fiber loading (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%) with jute and banana weight ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1. The investigation is conducted for testing the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the prepared composites along with morphological studies. Final results revealed a maximum longitudinal tensile strength of 68.8 MPa, 67.0 MPa, and 86.7 MPa and the maximum transverse tensile strength of 41.2 MPa, 40.5 MPa, and 48.0 MPa at 30 wt.% with respective fiber ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1. The maximum longitudinal flexural strength of this hybrid composite is noticed as 94 MPa, 90 MPa, and 103 MPa for the weight ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1. Higher impact energy is obtained for the composition ratio of 1:3 (JBC 1:3) which has more banana fiber than the other two. A new attempt at adding carbon nanotubes has improved their thermal conductivity compared to regular composites of jute–banana.

Shear performance of FRP panel-reinforced rc columns attached using corner angles and bolts without epoxy resin

As the frequency of earthquakes has risen globally, the importance of seismic design in building construction has intensified. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) are increasingly utilized as seismic reinforcement materials for reinforced concrete (RC) columns because of their lighter weight and superior strength compared to concrete and steel. However, the epoxy resin commonly used for FRP reinforcement is susceptible to fire, as it exhibits a glass transition temperature below 100 °C, and its performance can vary depending on the skill of the applicator. A method was therefore proposed to involve the non-adhesive application of FRP panels using corner angles and angle connections, eliminating the need for epoxy resin. Experimental and analytical studies were conducted to assess the shear performance of FRP-reinforced RC columns without adhesive attachment. The findings revealed that the maximum shear force capacity increased by more than 1.5 times compared to traditional RC columns. By securing the corner angle and FRP panel with angle connection materials, the attachment effect can be maximized to the extent of the corner angle area, suggesting its potential for enhancing shear performance.