Hybrid Composite Samples Research Articles

Mechanical and dielectric properties of Cissus Quadrangularis fiber-reinforced epoxy/TiB2 hybrid composites

Abstract This study focus on fabricating a Cissus Quadrangularis Fiber (CQF) reinforced epoxy hybrid composite with the addition of titanium diboride (TiB2) as filler. A compression molding technique was employed to fabricate the composite samples. The volume of the CQF was maintained at 30 wt%, and TiB2 was added with various weight proportions ranging from 0 % to 10 %. The mechanical, thermal, viscoelastic, and dielectric properties of the hybrid composite samples were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the impact of filler addition on the matrix-fiber bonding of the tensile fractured test specimens. The results revealed that the composite with 8 wt% filler produced high mechanical properties and comparable dielectric properties. Based on these findings, the fabricated composites are recommended for suitable applications in the automotive, electrical, and construction industries.

Study of mechanical properties and wear behavior of hybrid Al/(Al2O3+SiC) nanocomposites fabricated by powder technology

In recent years, aluminum-based hybrid nanocomposites have been attractive for industries such as automotive and aerospace due to the remarkable properties. In the present study, aluminium matrix composites reinforced with different amounts of SiC and Al2O3 nanoparticles (5, 7.5, 10 wt%), as reinforcements, were fabricated using powder metallurgy technique. Firstly, the nanocomposite powders were mechanically milled followed by hot pressing method. Then, the specimens were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), hardness, tensile strength and wear testing. The uniform distribution of SiC and Al2O3 nanoparticles in aluminium matrix was confirmed by microstructural analysis. The results showed that the hardness and wear resistance of nanocomposite samples were increased by increasing of SiC content to 10 wt%. The dominant wear mechanism was found to be the abrasive wear which accompanied with oxidation wear for nanocomposite samples. Additionally, the tensile strength test results showed that the hybrid composite sample containing 7.5 wt% nano SiC showed the highest tensile strength (83 MPa) compared to other hybrid composites.

Correlation of Structural and Mechanical Properties for Ultrasonically Stir Casted Al6061 Reinforced SiC-AlN Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

In our current investigation, Al6061-SiC-AlN composites were manufactured using the ultrasonic stir casting method. As reinforcement, silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminium nitride (AlN) [both 3 percent and 6 percent by wt.] were used to provide mechanical properties including tensile, compressive, and hardness. Al6061-SiC-AlN hybrid composite samples’ tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness were measured. Al6061-SiC-AlN hybrid composites’ tensile, compressive, and hardness properties are calculated and compared to those of the matrix i.e. Al 6061 alloy. The tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness all rose from 328 to 385 MPa, 145 to 178 MPa, and 302 to 724 VHN, respectively, with the addition of SiC and AlN nano-reinforcements. The suggested composite is compared to unreinforced Al6061 in terms of density and mechanical qualities such ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, impact strength, hardness, and wear characteristics. The results of the experimental examination showed that the produced hybrid composite, which contains 20% of the total reinforcing material, has no appreciable increase in impact strength but displays high hardness, high yield strength, and low wear rate.

ALLOCATION OF HYBRID COMPOSITE MATERIALS IN FRICTION DISC CLUTCHES

This study explains the design of a single-plate clutch using experimental measurements. The ratios of materials used to make the samples were 34g of Kevlar fiber (aramid 49 type), 150g of epoxy-type Sikadur-52, 10g of iron powder, and 10g of graphite powder. The three different sample types were made as laminates and cut using water cutter machinery according to the ASTM standard for each test. The following procedures were taken: The prepared mold was created first. Epoxy and the hardener were mixed in a 2:1 ratio. After that, the mixture was stirred well for a sufficient period of time. Then a quantity of the epoxy mixture was placed in the mold, and Kevlar fibers were placed in layers. The following ratios were used to create three samples: Sample 1 (34 g of Kevlar fiber, 150 g of epoxy), Sample 2 (34 g of Kevlar fiber, 150 g of epoxy, 10 g Fe), and Sample 3: Kevlar fiber (34 g), graphite (10 g), epoxy (150 g), and iron (10 g). The following facts have been found: When Kevlar fiber (aramid 49 type) was used at a weight of 34g for all samples, the best performance was achieved by hybrid composite sample3, which has the highest values (modulus of elasticity and higher wear resistance) in comparison to the other two composite samples (sample2 and sample1). In comparison to composite sample 1, the hybrid composite samples 2, and 3 have the highest value. (Tests for hardness).

Enhanced multi-material 4D printing hybrid composites based on shape memory polymer/thermoplastic elastomer

An improved one-shot thermoplastic elastomer reinforced shape memory polymer (SMP) four-dimensional (4D) printing method for hybrid composite samples is proposed. Through the new reinforcement method of interlayer overlapping, the problem of inability to bond between polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is overcome, and the composite materials had excellent bonding properties. The feature of the improved manufacturing method is that the interface between PLA and TPU materials has continuous overlapping layers, and the boundary is wavy. Herein the complex multi-material space structure can be manufactured with a three-dimensional curved bonding surface. The shape memory and mechanical properties of the PLA/TPU hybrid composite sample are significantly improved via the improved printing method. The shape memory recovery rate of PLA/TPU hybrid composite samples are all over above 99.5%, which is close to complete recovery. The fastest recovery time is 40.61% shorter than the recovery time of the pure PLA sample, showing good shape memory cycle performance. The peak recovery force is 6.92 times higher than the recovery force of the pure PLA sample. The impact strength is 9.87 times higher than the impact strength of pure PLA sample. The composites 4D printing method can be utilized to process complex parts with excellent interfacial bonding properties, shape memory properties, and mechanical properties, which has a promising application prospect in the manufacturing of PLA-based sensors and actuators.

Experimental investigation on mechanical and tribological characteristics of snake grass/sisal fiber reinforced hybrid composites

Abstract An experiential research on mechanical and tribological characteristics of snake grass and sisal fiber reinforced hybrid polymer (epoxy) composites was carried out and reported in this article. The snake grass and sisal fibers were initially treated with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Hybrid composite samples were fabricated using a compression moulding technique with a total fiber weight ratio of 30% and an epoxy resin weight ratio of 70%. The proportions of snake grass and sisal fibers in the hybrid composites were 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70. The fabricated hybrid composite samples were subjected to flexural, tensile, interlaminar shear strength, Shore D hardness, water absorption, and wear tests as per ASTM international standards, and the outcomes were compared with the results of snake grass and sisal mono fiber composites. The results disclosed that the 30:70 (SG:S) hybrid composite has higher mechanical characteristics than those of other hybrid and mono fiber composites. Also, the 30:70 hybrid sample performed at par with the sisal mono composite in wear and water absorption characteristics. Optical microscopy examination of alkali-treated natural hybrid and mono fiber composites displayed excellent results in terms of interfacial bonding between polymer and fiber.

Corrosion behaviour of SiC and Al2O3 reinforced Al 7075 hybrid aluminium matrix composites by weight loss and electrochemical methods

The corrosion study of Al 7075 hybrid metal matrix composites reinforced with equal weight percents (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10) of silicon carbide and aluminium oxide is investigated in the present work by weight loss and electrochemical methods. In this study, composite specimens prepared by the squeeze casting technique were analyzed at room temperature to estimate the rate of corrosion in a 3.5% NaCl solution for various intervals using the weight loss method. As a consequence, a hybrid Al7075 composite reinforced with 10% SiC and 10% Al2O3 had a lower corrosion rate of 0.9997 mmpy than pure Al7075, which had a maximum corrosion rate of 3.4481 mmpy. The corrosion rate of hybrid composites is determined by the tafel polarization method and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic method. These experiments showed that the corrosion rate of the hybrid metal matrix composite Al7075 + 10% SiC +10% Al2O3 was 0.630 mmpy less than that of the monolithic 7075 alloy. The corrosion morphology behaviour of the Al 7075 and their hybrid composite samples is observed by SEM. The SEM micrographs implied that SiC and Al2O3 reinforcements with the matrix alloy produced good interfacial and intermetallic bonding and hence decreased the corrosion rate.

Surface decoration of MnNiWO4 nanostructures on carbon nanofiber to build nanocomposites towards the removal of anionic azo and cationic dyes under light illumination

Herein, we report the preparation of manganese tungstate (MnWO4) nanosheets, nickel tungstate (NiWO4) nanoparticles, manganese nickel tungstate (MnNiWO4) hybrid nanostructures, and manganese nickel tungstate (MnNiWO4) hybrid nanostructures attached to the surface of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) using a simple hydrothermal and wet impregnation method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), Fluorescence spectroscopy (FL), Field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate their crystal structure, optical and electrical properties, microstructure, elemental composition, and structural characteristics. The X-RD and TEM outcomes explain that both the pure and hybrid composite samples have a crystalline nature with nanosheets, nanoparticles, and hybrid nanostructures, which are attached to the carbon nanofibers. Compared to other samples, a significant red shift in the absorption and reduction of the energy band gap (2.81–2.35 eV) was observed for the MnNiWO4/CNF hybrid nanocomposite. Further, an anionic azo dye such as Orange II sodium salt (ONaS) was adopted to check out the photocatalytic activities of the synthesized samples. Under illumination, the MnNiWO4/CNF hybrid nanocomposite exhibited a high degradation efficiency (85%) compared to other photocatalysts. Additionally, this hybrid nanocomposite was used to degrade the anionic dye methyl orange (M.O) and cationic dye methylene blue (M.B) under illumination. The hybrid photocatalyst showed degradation efficiencies of 77% for methyl orange (M.O) and 61% for methylene blue (M.B). Furthermore, kinetic studies have shown that the photocatalytic degradation method follows pseudo-1st-order reaction kinetics. The high photocatalytic performance of the MnNiWO4/CNFs hybrid nanocomposite over other photocatalysts has been ascribed to their size, surface charge, electronic effect, and effective charge-transfer abilities.

Hybrid Thermoplastic Composites from Basalt- and Kevlar-Woven Fabrics: Comparative Analysis of Mechanical and Thermomechanical Performance.

Current research deals with thermoplastic polyamide (PA6)-based composites reinforced with basalt and Kevlar fabrics. Hybrid composites were developed by altering the stacking sequence of basalt and two kinds of Kevlar fabrics. Pure-basalt- and pure-Kevlar-based samples were also developed for comparison purposes. The developed samples were evaluated with respect to mechanical and thermomechanical properties. Mechanical tests, e.g., tensile, flexural, and impact strength, were conducted along with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to ascertain the load-bearing and high-temperature stability of the hybrid composite samples vis-à-vis pure-basalt- and Kevlar-based samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to study the nature of fracture and failure of the composite samples. The pure-basalt-based PA6 thermoplastic composites exhibited the best mechanical performance. Hybridization with basalt proved to be beneficial for improving the mechanical performance of the composites using Kevlar fabrics. However, a proper stacking sequence and density of Kevlar fabric has to be selected. The thermogravimetric analysis showed minimal weight loss for basalt-based composites. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the composites using Kevlar fabric was improved by hybridization with basalt fabric. The thermomechanical characteristics of hybrid composites may be altered by changing the stacking order of the reinforcements. Differential scanning calorimetry further established that the hybrid composites with alternate layers of basalt and Kevlar can improve the heat flow rate and enable survivability at extreme temperatures. Such novel hybrid composites can be used for high-load-bearing and high-temperature applications, e.g., defense, aerospace, automotives, and energy applications.

Biocarbon-based sustainable reinforcing system for technical polymers. The structure-properties correlation between polycarbonate (PC) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)-based blends containing acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)

The sustainable filler system consisting of biocarbon (BC) particles and short basalt (BF) and carbon (CF) fibers was used as the reinforcement for PC/ABS and PBT/ABS type blends. The melt blending procedure includes the preparation of hybrid composite samples, where part of the fibrous filler was replaced by biocarbon powder. Reference samples were prepared with BF and CF fibers. For all samples, the content of the fillers was 20 wt%. The prepared materials were manufactured using the injection molding technique, while during this procedure, different types of standard testing samples were molded, including application samples. For part of the samples, the thermo-oxidative heat aging procedure was applied. All samples were subjected to characterization procedures, including mechanical and thermomechanical tests and structure properties examination. The comparison of the modulus value for BF/BC composites shows a modulus increase of 100%, from 2.5 GPa to over 5.0 GPa for both types of composites (PC and PBT), and the stiffness for CF/BC samples exceeds 6.0 GPa. The increase in thermal resistance compared to the unmodified PBT/ABS matrix was 20 °C for the composite of the BF/BC system and 10 °C for the CF/BC samples. The increase for hybrid samples based on PC/ABS did not exceed 12 °C. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of BC particles was not leading to thermal degradation of the matrix blend; however, the mechanical performance of the hybrid composites was slightly lower. As a result of the heat aging procedure, the properties deterioration was more significant for PC/ABS-based samples since the mechanical performance was reduced after 1000 h of thermo-oxidation. However, the thermal analysis and structure observations did not confirm any significant changes in the macromolecular structure of the prepared materials, which confirmed the possible use in demanding applications.

MECHANICAL AND WEAR EVOLUTION OF HYBRID Al COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH GRAPHITE AND BLAST FURNACE PARTICLES

In this study, we tried to make hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMCs) reinforced by adding steel slag and Gr particles in it by combined powder metallurgy and press bonding process with 15% of blast-furnace slag and variable values of Gr contents. By examining the composite microstructure, the excellent distribution of particles in matrix aluminum as well as accuracy in the results, no reaction is observed between Al and particles. The obtained results showed that the wear rate and density of hybrid composite samples decreased to 2.3% and 24% by increasing the Gr volume contents, respectively. Also, the wear rate of samples which is related to the hardness value, increased by 181% by increasing the Gr content up to 10[Formula: see text]vol.%.

Effect of kapok seed powder on mechanical and water intake properties of untreated kenaf fiber composites

The use of a variety of natural materials in the reinforcing and filling components of hybrid composites has led to recent advancements in the field of composites, allowing for the achievement of the required attributes. Epoxy resin matrices filled with kapok seed extract and reinforced with unprocessed kenaf fiber were subjected to a battery of tests to determine their mechanical and water absorption capabilities. Hybrid composite material samples were made by varying the percentages of reinforcing (30, 25, 20, and 15 wt%) and filler materials (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) while keeping the epoxy resin content constant (65 wt%). All specimens were then processed according to ASTM standards when manufacture was complete. Results from experiments show that among four filler/fiber loading combinations, the one with 10 % kapok seed powder and 25 % untreated kenaf fiber gives the highest tensile (28.23 MPa), flexural (52.4 MPa), and impact strength (4.6 kJ/m2). For larger filler and lower fiber loading combinations, on the other hand, compression and swelling behaviour of the composites was shown to be reduced. It was found from this experimental study, restricted addition of kapok seed powder in untreated kenaf fiber and epoxy resin matrix greatly improves certain mechanical and water intake properties significantly.

Characterization of Hot Extruded Hybrid Composites Al 2024 Metal Matrix Reinforced with TiO2 and ZrO2

In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al 2024 powder, the prominent type of Al 2XXX series aluminum alloys widely used in the aerospace industry, and TiO2 and ZrO2 reinforcement elements used to improve material properties were investigated. Each reinforcement element is included in the material at the rate of 10%. For hybrid composite sample production, 10% hybrid composite material was procured by adding each reinforcing element equally. For each sample, powders were mixed in a 3D mixer to ensure an equal distribution of matrix powder and reinforcement elements in the samples. The samples were churned out by subjecting the two-stage them to a one-way hot press process. The furnace temperature was kept at 600 o C to preserve samples. Density and microstructure analyses were performed on the formed samples, and the results were evaluated. After all, the Archimedean density measurement method was used to obtain final densities, these samples were taken to bakelite for optical images, then scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Brinell hardness of the samples was measured. The cross-fracture strength test was completed to analyze each sample’s microstructural behavior. Finally, the theoretical radiation shielding properties of each sample were investigated. The Phy-X/PSD program was used to examine the radiation permeability properties. According to the test and analysis results, the effect of reinforcement elements on the material was determined. As a result, the highest hardness value measured was 97.5 HB at the 10% ZrO2 -reinforced MMCs. However, the relative density of the hybrid composite is better than ZrO2-reinforced MMCs. Thus, the best cross-fracture strength measured was 635 MPa in 10% hybrid MMCs. The radiation shielding parameters showed that the 10% ZrO2 -reinforced MMCs are best for shielding. Therefore, the second reasonable material for radiation shielding is hybrid reinforced materials. In the final decision, hybrid composite materials became prominent because the distinctive features of each material enhanced the samples.

Hybrid composites based on textile hard waste: use as sunshades

Hybrid composites have gained exceptional interest from researchers and industry sectors in the last couple of decades with an aim to improve existing and/or develop new composites to cater for a wide variety of applications. In this research, hybrid composites utilizing glass fibre combined with textile hard waste were fabricated. A control sample and 7 hybrid composite samples including glass-polyester hard waste, glass-mercerized cotton hard waste and glass-cotton hard waste were developed as part of this study. Density, tensile strength and thermal conductivity of all developed samples and that of a commercial composite (purchased from the market) were measured. The results revealed that the control sample developed at the lab scale showed similar or higher values of density, tensile properties and thermal conductivity. Hybrid composites based on unmercerized and mercerized cotton showed very low tensile properties and similar conductivity, so they are not suitable for sunshade application. On the other hand, a composite made from polyester provided with highest tensile properties amongst all the hybrid composites but was still quite lower than a commercial sample. Polyester hybrid composite has enhanced thermal insulation properties suggesting that it has the potential to replace the existing composite, but a compromise needs to be made between the physical and thermal properties of the sunshade.

A synergistic effect on enriching the Mg–Al–Zn alloy-based hybrid composite properties

Mg–Al–Zn alloys are widely preferred in many applications by considering their excellent properties of high stiffness-to-weight ratio, lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, low density, castability, high-temperature mechanical properties, machinability, high corrosion resistance, and great damping. Improving the properties of such alloys is challenging due to their hexagonal crystal structure and other alloying limitations. This study aims to synthesize Mg–Al–Zn alloy by incorporating the alloying elements 8.3 wt% Al, 0.35 wt% Zn on pure magnesium (Control specimen). Then synthesize Mg–Al–Zn/BN/B4C hybrid composite by reinforcing B4C at three weight proportions (3 wt%, 6 wt%, 9 wt%) along with constant solid lubricant BN (3 wt%) through a stir casting process. The hybrid composite samples were characterized and compared with the performances of the control specimen. The results reveal that 9 wt% B4C reinforced samples outperformed through recording the improvement of tensile strength by 28.94%, compressive strength by 37.89%, yield strength by 74.63%, and hardness by 14.91% than the control specimen. Apart from this, it has reduced the corrosion area (37.81%) and noticed negligible changes in density (increased by 0.03%) and porosity (decreased by 0.01%) than the control specimen. The samples were characterized using SEM, XRD, and EDAX apparatus.

Physico-Mechanical, Thermal, Morphological, and Aging Characteristics of Green Hybrid Composites Prepared from Wool-Sisal and Wool-Palf with Natural Rubber.

In the reported study, two composites, namely sisal-wool hybrid composite (SWHC) and pineapple leaf fibre(PALF)-wool hybrid composite (PWHC) were prepared by mixing natural rubber with equal quantities of wool with sisal/PALF in a two-roll mixing mill. The mixture was subjected to curing at 150 °C inside a 2 mm thick mold, according to the curing time provided by the MDR. The physico-mechanical properties of the composite viz., the tensile strength, elongation, modulus, areal density, relative density, and hardness were determined and compared in addition to the solvent diffusion and thermal degradation properties. The hybrid composite samples were subjected to accelerated aging, owing to temperature, UV radiation, and soil burial tests. The cross-sectional images of the composites were compared with a scanning electron microscopic analysis at different magnifications. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis was conducted on the hybrid composite to determine the possible chemical interaction of the fibres with the natural rubber matrix.

Structure and tribological properties of composites based on a Novolac matrix with Ni[sbnd]P electrolytic coating

In this study, wear behavior of graphite and glass fiber reinforced Novolac hybrid polymer composites with electrolytic NiP coated surfaces were investigated. First of all, 40 wt% graphite and 30 wt% glass fiber added Novolac composite powders were obtained by mixing with a mixer, and then hybrid composite samples were obtained by hot pressing the composite powders in a steel mold. Then, electrolytic NiP coating process was applied to the hybrid composite surfaces. The tribological properties of coated and uncoated samples were compared after the applying the block-on-ring wear test method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used for wear surface and debris analysis. The Tg temperature of the electrolytic NiP coated samples increased by about 16 °C compared to the uncoated samples. The hardness value of the obtained NiP coating layer was determined as approximately 2 GPa. On the other hand, NiP coated samples showed approximately 2 times less wear loss and 40 % lower coefficient of friction than those of the uncoated composite samples. While the dominant wear mechanism was found as adhesive in uncoated samples, it was detected as abrasive and adhesive together in NiP coated samples.

Characterizations of Hybrid Composites of Linen /Glass Fibers for Automotive and Transportation Applications

Recently, the sustainability issue has become crucial to operation, which motivates researchers to search for naturally generated, sustainable materials, especially in automotive applications outside of reduced prices and enhanced performance. Glass-linen/Polyvinyl Butyral hybrid composites' mechanical characteristics were examined in relation to the effect of linen fiber loading. The composite and hybrid composite samples of linen/glass fiber reinforced PVB film were created using a hot press with various layering patterns. The results were high impact values with increased both tensile and flexural strength values. Compared to other hybrid composites, the mechanical behaviors of the H1 (Glass / Linen) hybrid have a greater tensile strength measuring 401.30 MPa, while, H2 (Glass / Linen/ Glass) hybrids are found to have the highest flexural strength, measuring 160.80 MPa. An optical and scanning electron microscope morphological analysis on linen hybrid composites revealed good results. This indicated decreased rates of delamination between the fibers and matrix layers. The loading of the fibers was shown to have varying effects on the composite's mechanical behaviors. The linen/glass composites also demonstrated strong interfacial adhesion, which enabled the PVB-phenolic resin to penetrate the fiber bundles and produce a matrix with the good interlocking of the fibers

Thermal degradation, visco-elastic and fire-retardant behavior of hybrid Cyrtostachys Renda/kenaf fiber-reinforced MWCNT-modified phenolic composites.

Natural fibers have emerged as a potential alternate to synthetic fibers, because of their excellent performance, biodegradability, renewability and sustainability. This research has focused on investigating the thermal, visco-elastic and fire-retardant properties of different hybrid Cytostachys Renda (CR)/kenaf fiber (K) (50/0; 35/ 15, 25/25, 15/ 35, 0/50)-reinforced MWCNT (multi-walled carbon nanotubes)-modified phenolic composites. The mass% of MWCNT-modified phenolic resin was maintained 50 mass% including 0.5 mass% of MWCNT. In order to achieve homogeneous dispersion ball milling process was employed to incorporate the MWCNT into phenolic resin (powder). Thermal results from thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis revealed that the hybrid composites (35/15; 35 mass% CR and 15 mass% K) showed higher thermal stability among the composite samples. Visco-elastic results revealed that kenaf fiber-based MWCNT-modified composites (0/50; 0 mass% CR and 50 mass% K) exhibited higher storage and loss modulus due to high modulus kenaf fiber. Fire-retardant analysis (UL-94) showed that all the composite samples met H-B self-extinguishing rating and exhibited slow burning rate according to limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. However, (15/35; 15 mass% CR and 35 mass% K) hybrid composites showed the highest time to ignition, highest fire performance index, lowest total heat release rate, average mass loss rate, average fire growth rate index and maximum average rate of heat emission. Moreover, the smoke density of all hybrid composites was found to be less than 200 which meets the federal aviation regulations (FAR) 25.853d standard. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was carried out to select an optimal composite sample considering the thermal, visco-elastic and fire-retardant behaviors. Through TOPSIS analysis, the hybrid (15/35; 15 mass% CR and 35 mass% K) composite sample has been selected as an optimal composite which can be used for high-temperature aircraft and automotive applications.

Post curing temperature effect on mechanical characterization of jute/basalt fiber reinforced hybrid composites

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have a fast-growing performance in many areas of engineering as a replacement for metallic materials due to their low density, low cost, specific mechanical characteristics, and lower energy consumption. The efficiency of fiber-reinforced polymer composites at high temperatures is an issue that requires to be well investigated before this type of composite can be used in important engineering fields. The aim of this study is to examine the change in mechanical properties of homogeneous and hybrid composites prepared from epoxy resin reinforced with jute fabric and basalt fabric at three diverse post-curing temperatures (50°C, 70°C, and 90°C). The vacuum- assisted resin transfer molding process was used to fabricate the laminated composites. The tensile strength and microhardness values of post- cured homogeneous and hybrid composite samples were determined by tensile tests and Vickers hardness measurements. A water absorption test was also performed to determine the water absorption capacity of the fabricated composites. After tensile testing of the fabricated structures, the effect of post-curing temperatures on the interaction of the fiber-matrix interface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The results indicate that with increasing the post-curing temperature from 50 °C to 90 °C, an improvement of 45.48% in tensile strength and 34.65% in hardness is achieved for the hybrid composites. Moreover, the results of the water absorption test show that the increased post-curing temperature reduces the water absorption capacity of the hybrid composites by 3.53 times.