Reinforcement In Polymer Matrix Research Articles

Thermo-Mechanical, Structural, and Biodegradability Properties of Water Hyacinth and Sheep Wool Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polypropylene Composites

Hybrid fiber reinforcements can incorporate a wider array of qualities than single fiber reinforcement. Instead of synthetic fibers, applying plant and animal-based organic materials as reinforcement in polymer matrix offers certain benefits, such as low price, greater availability, and better biodegradability. In the present study, water hyacinth fiber and sheep wool fiber reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites were fabricated at three different (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) fiber loading. The effect of fiber loading on thermo-mechanical, structural, and biodegradability properties was subsequently investigated. The manufacturing process of the composite material was carried out with utmost consideration for biodegradability, since polypropylene, the primary constituent, is not inherently biodegradable. The insertion of fibers into the polypropylene matrix showed variance in properties of different aspects. The tensile strength of the composites displayed a downward trajectory (from 25 to 10 MPa) with a 15% increase in fiber loading due to voids, and fiber dispersion, while impact strength exhibited an opposite trend (from 25 to 32 J/m). Except for hardness, all the mechanical properties degraded slightly after the employment of the reinforcement. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed the movement of typical peaks and the appearance of new peaks demonstrating the bonding between the fiber and the matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal degradation temperature of the composites improved at maximum fiber loading. On the other hand, the goal of achieving biodegradability has been succeeded by the implementation of a combination of plant and animal-based fibers as biodegradability of the manufactured composites thrives with increasing fiber content for the presence of cellulosic bonds, as evident from the FTIR spectrum. Even though some properties of the hybrid composite declined slightly with increasing fiber loading, the other characteristics, including service temperature and biodegradability experienced a prospective advancement. Hence, the 15% fiber-loaded composite was found to be a potential candidate in terms of slightly high temperature and environment-friendly applications.

Float-stacked graphene–PMMA laminate

Semi-infinite single-atom-thick graphene is an ideal reinforcing material that can simultaneously improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of matrix. Here, we present a float-stacking strategy to accurately align the monolayer graphene reinforcement in polymer matrix. We float graphene-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) membrane (GPM) at the water–air interface, and wind-up layer-by-layer by roller. During the stacking process, the inherent water meniscus continuously induces web tension of the GPM, suppressing wrinkle and folding generation. Moreover, rolling-up and hot-rolling mill process above the glass transition temperature of PMMA induces conformal contact between each layer. This allows for pre-tension of the composite, maximizing its reinforcing efficiency. The number and spacing of the embedded graphene fillers are precisely controlled. Notably, we accurately align 100 layers of monolayer graphene in a PMMA matrix with the same intervals to achieve a specific strength of about 118.5 MPa g−1 cm3, which is higher than that of lightweight Al alloy, and a thermal conductivity of about 4.00 W m−1 K−1, which is increased by about 2,000 %, compared to the PMMA film.

Effect of Chemical and Physical Treatments on Mechanical Properties of Diss Fibers-Based Biocomposites Materials

ABSTRACT This work highlights the exploitation of fibers from a promising plant, commonly called Diss, in polymer matrix reinforcement. In this context, various untreated and treated (with acetic acid, silane, NaOH, thermal) Diss fibers were used to reinforce a thermoplastic matrix, polypropylene (PP). The effect of fiber treatments was evaluated at a ratio of 10% (by mass) of fiber, using mechanical, microstructural and physical characterization. A fiber content optimization study was carried out after choosing the fiber treatment by varying the fiber content from 10% to 40%. The microstructure observations showed a multi-layer structure for the biocomposites studied. The particular morphology of Diss fibers, with the presence of thorns, seems to improve the mechanical adhesion between the two phases. For 10% fiber content composites, the incorporation of the different fibers in the PP matrix led to improvements in most mechanical properties. The biocomposite reinforced with NaOH treated fibers (NPP-10%) showed the best mechanical performance with an improvement of 30%, 22% and 9% in tensile modulus, bending modulus and bending stress, respectively. For the fiber content variation, the NPP was retained, and an enhancement in the tensile modulus was found when the fiber content was below 20%.

A State of Art Review on Grass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite

The environment awareness and cost cutting are the main beginning to think about eco-friendly materials. Of course, natural fibre as reinforcement in polymer matrix is one of the best option due to its biodegradability, recyclability, low cost and high specific strength/stiffness. It motivates the researchers to find new and easily available bio-fibre which may replace with non-biodegradable material and maintain the proper balance for the ecosystem. Now a day’s, researchers search on new plant fibre that facilitate easy and viable extraction that does not mess up the properties of the fibres. There has been an incredible development in polymer matrix composites of various plant fibre. Grass fibre is one of the important plant fibres which occurs in different parts of plants, mainly in the stems and leaves. Present paper studied on different grass fibres and its extraction process. Different surface treatment of grass fibre has been reviewed to extract the knowledge of the adhesion property of the fibre with polymer and its mechanical property. The present paper has also reviewed the mechanical property of the grass fibre composite. The scope of the grass fibre-reinforced composite material in various structural and engineering application are also addressed here.

Hemp Reinforced Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composite Produced By Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

Reinforcement of polymer matrix with natural fiber can provide an increase in mechanical properties of the related composite. Since thermoplastics, especially bio composite materials are recyclable, they contribute to a sustainable ecosystem. In this study, 10% by weight hemp reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) matrix compounds were produced. Tensile test specimens were performed in two different infill patterns, parallel and +/- 45° cross, using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method from the developed bio composite filaments. Ultimate tensile stress increases approximately 20%. It has been observed that the geometry of the infill pattern greatly affects the tensile strength. In addition, through optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the the produced composite filaments were examined. Surface interactions and homogeneous fiber distribution between PLA and hemp were investigated. As a result, hemp is used as a reinforcement material in related studies, its homogeneous distribution is very important. Although the compounds were produced by twin-screw extrusion. Weakness in the form of the surface bonding is observed. This situation affects the structural performance negatively. Addition of hemp decreases the thermal resistance and melting temperature and increases the glass transition temperature comparing to pure PLA.

Review on extraction, characterization, surface treatment and thermal degradation analysis of new cellulosic fibers as sustainable reinforcement in polymer composites

Nowadays, as environmental awareness is key issue among researchers, scientific community is looking for natural materials as they are biodegradable, low cost, eco-friendly and also safe for health. Researchers and academicians have found many natural fibers and studied their properties for their sustainable applications in various possible sectors, and studies are also going on. So, in that context several natural fiber like jute, sisal, banana, pineapple, flax, hemp, kenaf, bamboo, cornstalk waste, coir, etc. have been successfully utilized as a reinforcing material in polymer composites by replacing man made synthetic fiber. Apart from traditional natural fibers, scientific community is also looking for locally available natural fibers across the globe in different geographical locations for successful reinforcement in polymer matrix. This will not only decrease burden on traditional fibers and but also at the same time it would be helpful to enrich the rural economy. Natural fiber based composites can be used in different areas such as auto motive industry, construction industry, sports industry and food industry. This study is related with extraction, characterization, surface treatment thermal analysis and activation energy of different uncommon natural fibers available at different geographical locations worldwide. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive knowledge on extraction techniques, treatment methodologies, and properties of these uncommon natural fibers so that these novel materials can be utilized efficiently as a reinforcing material in different polymer matrix. Discussions on traditional natural fibers like Bagasse, Wheat straw, Coir, Pineapple, Banana etc. have been compiled extensively in various review papers but compilation on these new uncommon natural fibers is rare. Thermal analysis along with activation energy evaluation is another aspect which has been given emphasis in discussion because this is also a very important examination to evaluate the thermal stability of these natural fibers.

Recent advancement in sisal fiber reinforced polymer composites

Natural fibers are gaining importance day by day because of their distinct features such as, light weight, availability, environment friendliness, cost effectiveness along with sustainability. Different plant-based fibers have been explored by the scientific community in last decade for reinforcement in polymer matrix to develop composites. Sisal fiber is extensively used in polymer composites because of the improved mechanical properties of its composites. Sisal fibres are widely cultivated in India, East Africa, Brazil. Lot of polymer matrix have been used for developing the sisal fiberbasedpolymer composites. This article reviews the recent developments with special emphasis related to processing, fabrication and mechanical properties of sisal fiber based polymer composites.

Environmental Degradation of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Nanocomposites with Self-Healing Reinforcement in Polymer Matrix for Wind Turbine Blade Application

Environmental Degradation of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Nanocomposites with Self-Healing Reinforcement in Polymer Matrix for Wind Turbine Blade Application

Effect of carbon nanotubes modified with different concentrations of rare earth lanthanum on the mechanical and tribological properties of epoxy composites

Rare earth modified acidified carbon nanotubes were prepared by functionalization of acidified carbon nanotubes with different concentrations of LaCl3. The modification results were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The rare earth successfully increases the surface activity of the acidified carbon nanotubes. Polymer matrix composites were prepared by using the rare earth modified acidified carbon nanotubes as the reinforcement in epoxy matrix. Mechanical properties were analyzed by Zwick Z100 testing machine and the tribological behaviors were test by multifunctional tribological tester. Compared with pure epoxy (epoxy resin), the mechanical strength of the best composite sample was increased by 50–120%, the coefficient of friction was reduced by 19.4% and the wear rate was reduced by approximately 40 times. The experimental results show that the RE concentration of 0.2–0.3 wt% has the most obvious influence on the properties of polymer composites. The mechanism of rare earth reinforcement in polymer matrix is analyzed and suggested.

A review on the extraction of pineapple, sisal and abaca fibers and their use as reinforcement in polymer matrix

A review on the extraction of pineapple, sisal and abaca fibers and their use as reinforcement in polymer matrix

Promising utilization of fly ash as an eco-friendly sustainable additive for enhancement in flame retardancy of composite production: A review

Fly ash as one of the industrial by-product generated from the coal-based power station will eventually recognized as an environmental pollutant due to their enrichment in potentially toxic trace elements. Hundreds of thousand tons of fly ash every year exist alone were expected from the growth in power plants that use coal as the source of fuel. The present waste is widely been used in concrete industries to replace the usage of cement which is can minimize carbon dioxide footprint, but most will go straightly to the landfill or dump that will be one of the significant matter in environmental concerns and also will soon to be costly due to long term financial burden of maintenance. An economically viable solution to this problem has been proposed by utilization of fly ash as reinforcement in polymer matrix based composite production focusing on construction industry. Several studies proposed that fly ash has great potential as flame retardant in order to develop fire proof products even though not been much examined. This paper will emphasize on reviewing about properties of fly ash with its possible composition and characteristic that can help in fire controlling.

Properties of Kenaf Fibers/Epoxy Biocomposites: Flexural Strength and Impact Strength

Kenaf is a non-woody plant, which has high potential fiber to be used as polymer matrix reinforcement. Different compositions of kenaf fiber as bio reinforcing material at different fabrication process parameters will produce different biocomposite properties. This study uses kenaf fibers in the composition of 10, 20, and 30 wt.% as reinforcing material. Kenaf fiber and epoxy resin were mixed based on predetermined compositions, stirred using a mechanical stirrer at 200 rpm for 10 minutes. Then the mixture is poured into a mold and placed on a hot press machine. Pressure of 50 kg/mm2 for 30 minutes at 150°C is used to produce kenaf fiber/epoxy biocomposite. The result showed that the increasing of kenaf fiber content in the matrix is succeeded to increase the flexural and impact strength of the biocomposite kenaf fiber/epoxy produced. The highest flexural strength (136 MPa ) and highest impact strength (180 KJ/m2) were obtained at a composition of 30 wt.% Kenaf fiber.

Spatial distribution of nanodiamond and its effect on mechanical behaviour of epoxy based composite using 2D modulus mapping

The present study has taken an initiative to understand the distribution of nanophase reinforcement in polymer matrix and their behaviour during loading, using 2D modulus mapping. The composite system, being studied here, is a nanodiamond reinforced epoxy resin matrix. Modulus Mapping gives an idea of distribution of nanodiamond in matrix, in terms of spatial distribution of micron level higher modulus regions in epoxy matrix. The modulus mapping studies, carried out on composites with and without application of uniaxial tensile stresses, reveals the active role being played by nanodiamond in modulating the mechanical behaviour of the epoxy matrix and the evolution of distribution of the former with application of stress. Hardness and elastic modulus of epoxy is improved by ∼470% and ∼94% with 1 wt% nanodiamond. The stiffening effect of nanodiamond dispersed in epoxy matrix, evaluated through experiment is also in concurrence with results simulated using finite element method (FEM) of the representative volume element (RVE). Tensile strength and fracture toughness also showed an improvement of ∼56% and ∼85%, respectively, with 0.3 wt% ND. Interestingly, % strain (at break) also increased by ∼66%. TEM showed good dispersion and strong interaction of NDs with epoxy matrix. SEM analysis validates crack pinning and crack deflection as dominant toughening mechanism, while, efficient load sharing between ND and epoxy is found as main strengthening mechanism. As a whole, this study develops 2D modulus mapping technique as a generalized tool for evaluating the quality of dispersion of the nanoscale reinforcement phases and their role in mechanical behaviour of the macro-scale composite structures.

Machinability analysis of drilled bamboo fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite

In globally the technology keep improving continuously from time to time especially in materials development. Many researchers and manufacturer found interested in substituting synthetic with natural materials. By utilizing natural surrounding sources, it will impact on the product improvement and creating environmental awareness. Besides on many available natural fibres for reinforcements, bamboo fibre has been identified as one of reliable reinforcement in polymer matrix. The mechanical properties of bamboo fibre composite at moderate strength compared with another types. However, bamboo is grows naturally in the foothills or can be planted and easily to find in the Peninsular Malaysia. Further machining process on composites such as drilling will affecting strength properties of the composite, this is due to discontinuous of the fibre after drilled. This study will evaluating on influence of machining parameters and tool geometry on residual tensile strength and delamination damage of drilled bamboo fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites. Fabrication of the composite using resin infusion process by vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding. The experiments were developed using Taguchi method and tested according to ASTM D3039 requirement. The results were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Finally, the optimum condition for maximizing residual tensile strength and minimizing delamination factors on the drilled bamboo fibre reinforced composite are suggested.

Thermally Stable Polypyrrole/Hematite Composites with Tunable Dielectric and Magnetic Properties

Polypyrrole/hematite magnetic composites are prepared by simple chemical oxidation method with different weight percentages of hematite (0–30 wt %) in polypyrrole (PPy) matrix during in situ polymerization of monomers. The as-synthesized composites are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, vibrating sample magnetometry analysis and dielectric studies. Thermal stability is improved in all the prepared composites. Enhanced AC conductivity and thermal stability in PPy/10% of hematite composite is attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of incorporated hematite particles in PPy matrix, physiochemical interactions and development of interface regions between organic polymer structure and inorganic hematite particles. Interestingly, the organic conducting polymer matrix reinforcement with inorganic hematite dispersive particles is found to transform it from weak antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic in the range of 10 kOe with coercivity and saturation magnetization as a function of the inorganic phase loading percentage.

Mechanical, thermal and melt flow of aluminum-reinforced PA6/ABS blend feedstock filament for fused deposition modeling

PurposeThis study aims to highlights the mechanical, thermal and melting behavior compatibility of aluminum (Al)-reinforced polyamide (PA) 6/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based functional prototypes prepared using fused deposition modeling (FDM) from the friction welding point of view. Previous studies have highlighted the use of metallic/non-metallic fillers in polymer matrix for preparations of mechanically improved FDM feedstock filaments and functional prototypes. But hitherto, very less has been reported on fabrication of functional prototypes which fulfill the compatibility of two polymers for joining/welding-based applications. The compatibility of two dissimilar polymers enables the friction welding for maintenance applications.Design/methodology/approachThe twin screw extrusion process has been used for mechanical mixing of metallic reinforcement in polymer matrix, and final blend of reinforced polymers in the form of extruded feed stock filament has been used on FDM for printing of functional prototypes (for friction welding). The methodology involves melt flow index (MFI) investigations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations for thermal properties, tensile and hardness testing for mechanical properties and photo micrographic investigations for metallurgical properties on extruded samples.FindingsIt was observed that the reinforced ABS and PA6 polymers have better compatibility in the terms of similar melt flow, thermal properties and can lead to the better joint efficiency with friction welding.Originality/valueIn the present work composite feed stock filament composed of ABS and PA6 with reinforcement of Al powder has been successfully developed for preparation of functional prototype in friction welding applications.

Experimental investigation of fracture toughness for treated sisal epoxy composite

The aim of this work is to show the fracture toughness behavior of sisal reinforced epoxy composite using fracture toughness testing method by including most important fracture mechanics parameters which is called stress intensity factor K. The fracture toughness tests of chopped sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composite materials were carried out using test samples which were prepared according to the ASTM standard. The samples have been fabricated by using the epoxy resin (AY-105) as a matrix and the hardener (HY-951) and the chopped sisal fiber as a reinforcement material with the 15%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40% fiber weight fraction, random oriented chopped fibers by using hand layup fabrication technique. The experimental results justify that the 30/70 composition of fiber and matrix has superior fracture characteristics with KIC of 5.54 MPa·m1/2 and critical strain energy release rate (GIC) of 13.72 MPa·mm and results of this study indicate that using chopped sisal fibers as reinforcement in polymer matrix could successfully develop a composite material in terms of high strength and rigidity for light weight material.

Experimental Study on Optimization of Thermal Properties of Natural Fibre Reinforcement Polymer Composites

In the present work, an experimental approach was used to find out the thermal conductivity of rice husk filled polymer composites using guarded heat flow meter method in accordance with ASTME-1530 standard. The result shows that the incorporation of rice husk reduces the thermal conductivity of polymer resin and improves its insulation capability. At last, an attempt has been made to optimize the thermal properties of rice husk reinforced polymer composites (RHPC) materials using Taguchi technique. In this work, the ANOM results showed that the combination of rice husk particle size of 250 μm with volume fraction of filler material (45%) with vinyl ester as the matrix material was beneficial for minimizing the thermal properties of rice husk particles reinforced polymer composites and the degree of contribution of the parameters to the system were volume fraction > particle size > polymer resin. From ANOVA results, it was found out that the % of filler material has major influence (79.588%) on minimizing thermal conductivity and the particle size has less effect (1.126). Finally, the results revealed that using rice husk particles as reinforcement for polymer matrix could successfully develop beneficial composites and can be used for thermal applications.

Preparation and Characterization for Sorgum‐Based Micro‐Fibrillated Celluloses

SummaryThe development of micro‐fibrillated cellulose (MFC) is currently a topic of interest among researchers and industry. The aim from this research is to get MFC from sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), which contains about 45.9% of cellulose. Sorghum also has good mechanical properties that promising to be applied as the reinforcement for polymer matrix. The main challenge to get MFC is the removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Chemical treatments viz. alkalinization (NaOH 20%), bleaching (NaClO 5%) and acid hydrolysis (H2SO4 25%), were applied to sorghum. Different characterizations such as FTIR spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) were used to evaluate this study. FTIR spectroscopy and SEM showed that the chemical treatment effectively reduced lignin and hemicellulose. XRD and FTIR characterization showed the highest crystallinity obtained through alkalinization treatment − acid hydrolysis from 7.5% up to 43.95%. The size of the smallest fibers produced was about 2‐4 microns.

Experimental investigation on Tensile property of Ricinus Communis L plant fiber to make polymer reinforced composites

Day by day demand has been increasing for light weight, high strength, high stiffed and eco-friendly composites in many engineering applications like Automobile, Aerospace, Structural etc. Natural fiber polymer composites are best suitable for making of light weight, high strength, stiffness and eco-friendly composites. Many engineers and researchers are working for the development and improvement of natural fiber reinforce polymer composites. The present work aims at introducing new natural fiber as reinforcement in polymer matrix. The method of fiber extraction is also presented. Cortex (Bark fibers) and Xylem (wood type) fiber of castor oil plant (Ricinus Communis L) are extracted. The tensile properties of single cortex fiber and single xylem fiber are tested as per the ASTM standards. The tensile strength of (323 MPa for 300 µm (0.3mm) diameter) single castor oil plant cortex fiber is comparatively very high as with the tensile strength (100 MPa for 300 µm (0.3mm) diameter) of the single castor oil plant xylem fiber. The preliminary studies of the fiber revealed that the fiber can be used as reinforcement for natural fiber composites.