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In this work, the effects of graphene particles, which were used as a filler for hybrid flax fiber and aerial root banyan fiber (ARBF)–reinforced epoxy composites at different sampling compositions (M4–M7), on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the epoxy composites, such as tensile, flexural, Shore D hardness, water absorption activitie...
Citations
... KP-1.5, and KP-2.0 composites increased by 90.24%, 85.58%, and 34.21%, compared to neat composites. Ganapathy et al. 43 reported that the addition of 2 wt% graphene had enhanced the flexural strength of the banyan/flax fiber composite by 41%. They also reported that adding a higher weight concentration of graphene (4, 6, and 8 wt%) has reduced the loading carrying ability due to aggregation. ...
The automotive, aerospace, and sports industries are increasingly utilizing hybrid composites made from natural fiber reinforcements. This study evaluated the performance of a composite made from kenaf and pineapple fibers, manufactured using the compression molding process, with graphene nanoparticles added at varying weight concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt%. Results showed that adding 0.5 wt% graphene increased the tensile, flexural, and impact strength of hybrid composite by 133.75%, 90.24%, and 25.67%, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that graphene integration has enhanced the interfacial bond between the fiber and the matrix, creating resin‐rich areas. Furthermore, the free vibrational analysis indicated that graphene‐infused composites exhibited higher natural frequencies, improving their energy‐absorbing capabilities. Water absorption tests demonstrated that the inclusion of graphene reduced water penetration by improving interfacial bonding, minimizing voids, and decreasing surface energy, which limited water pathways in the composite. Furthermore, the composites with 0.5 wt% graphene showed a contact angle of 80.8°, indicating lower hydrophilicity compared to neat composites, which had a contact angle of 70.7°. This research emphasizes the advantages of hybrid composite materials derived from kenaf and pineapple fibers, specifically for applications in vehicle interiors and construction, including wall panels and separators.
Highlights
Hybrid composite was prepared using the compression molding process.
Adding 0.5 wt% graphene improved the mechanical properties of composites.
Hybrid composites with lower wt% graphene had higher natural frequencies.
The composites with 0.5 wt% graphene had better water absorption properties.
... The primary issue in fibre-matrix interfacial contact is the conflict between fibre hydrophilicity and matrix hydrophobicity [12]. The importance of adapting these uncertainties to the essential needs of composites for real practical applications was emphasised [13]. Increasing matrix adherence by roughing the fibre surface can produce a high-strength composite; chemically treated fibre surfaces before composite production can solve these problems [14]. ...
The present study investigates mechanical, thermal, and tribological characteristics with the influence of novel composite material of perforated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer, distinct natural fibre, and vinyl ester matrix produced by compression moulding technology. The primary objective of this study is to identify and influence the strength of vinyl ester resin bonding features of three distinct natural fibre sources: banyan, snake grass, and pineapple with recycled PET plastic bottles polymer composites. The natural fibre is undergoing chemical treatments using NaOH (7% alkali) in order to remove the impurities and enhance the strength of the composite material. The mechanical characteristics of the produced composites (PC1, PC2, PC3) were assessed using tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The study also encompasses an investigation of thermogravimetric analysis conducted on natural fibre/PET/vinyl ester composites, demonstrating the impact of distinct fibre with PET polymer on thermal characteristics. Moreover, specific wear rate and coefficient of friction analysis explore the distinct character of developed composites. Using natural fibre reinforced/vinyl ester composites in conjunction with PET offers a promising avenue for achieving lightweight structural applications due to the PET composite's favourable mechanical properties and heat resistance.
... In the landscape of composite materials, a notable shift is occurring as the world pivots towards bio-based alternatives, spurred by a growing environmental consciousness. Synthetic fibers have long dominated, but the rise of natural fibers presents a compelling alternative with attributes such as availability, low cost, high specific strength, biodegradability, and reduced weight [1][2][3]. The increasing demand for bio-based composites aligns seamlessly with the global push for sustainable materials, finding applications across diverse sectors, from construction materials to automobile components [4,5]. ...
... It is also reported that eggshells have a relatively lower density compared to mineral calcium carbonate (density values obtained by using ASTM 679 of 0.4236 g/cm 3 for eggshell as compared with 0.4670 of commercial calcium carbonate or 0.4581 of talk) [17]. In previous studies, the mechanical and thermal properties of composites have been enhanced by reinforcing them with natural filler materials such as eggshell particles, walnut shells, wood particles, rice and corn husk, peanut shell powder, betel nut husk, and date seeds [2]. Biomass solid waste in the hybrid form of tamarind seed and date seed filler into vinyl ester polymer reinforced composite was investigated, revealing a significant enhancement in mechanical properties [18]. ...
... In this context, the current paper delves into the realm of natural fiber-reinforced composites, focusing specifically on a hybrid polyester composite comprised of jack tree and jute fibers with eggshell filler. The heightened environmental consciousness worldwide has propelled the exploration of natural fibers as a viable alternative to traditional synthetic fibers [2,3]. Composite materials, characterized by macroscopic homogeneity and microscopic heterogeneity, amalgamate distinct constituents to form materials with unique properties. ...
A novel hybrid polyester composite comprising jack tree and jute fibers reinforced with eggshell filler is presented addressing the global need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. The comprehensive analysis of physical and mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, impact resistance, hardness, water uptake was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The manual hand layup technique was employed to ensure reproducible composite production. The resulting materials exhibited favorable mechanical properties, with the tensile strength and elongation balanced between jute and jack tree fibers, augmented by the reinforcing effect of the eggshell filler. Jack tree fibers significantly enhanced impact strength, contributing to the overall toughness of the composite. Hardness testing revealed higher crystallinity attributed to jack tree fibers. Water absorption characteristics demonstrated a nuanced interaction between cellulose abundance and fiber mass. FTIR spectroscopy provided molecular insights, while SEM analysis visually depicted the intricate structure of the composite. The amalgamation of jack tree and jute fibers with an eggshell filler not only enhances mechanical prowess but also aligns with global environmental efforts. This research advances sustainable composite materials, offering nuanced insights into the interplay between natural fibers, fillers, and matrices, with implications for eco-friendly solutions in diverse industries. The findings contribute to a greener, more sustainable future in industrial applications.
... Lowest records were also established for the diameter of plant fibers other than RCBF, including Ficus benghalensis fiber (0.09-0.14 micro metres), Careya arborea fiber (28 micrometers), and Calamus mana (40 micro meters). Fortunately, the amount of CBFs is significantly lower than synthetic fibers [43]. Pictures taken with a field emission scanning electron microscope of RCBF and ACBF are presented in Fig. 2. Figure 3 (a) displays the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of both RCBF and ACBF. ...
In this research, a novel cellulosic fiber from the Cannonball tree was extracted and alkalized. The alkalisation was done for 45 min using a 5% NaOH solution. The cellulose percentage of the alkalized fiber was elevated to 69.23% from 54.96%. The increase in the crystallinity index (72.73% from 65.29%) of alkalized fiber was recognized via XRD analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis established that after alkalization maximal deterioration peak of (362.94 °C from 357.21 °C) and kinetic activation energy (67.5 kJ/mol from 60.33 kJ/mol) are enhanced. Lignin, wax, and impurity-free exterior layers are seen in the FE-SEM images of alkalized fiber. The absence of impurity elements in the EDX spectrum of alkalized CBFs indicated the abolishment of contaminants on the fibre’s exterior. After the NaOH treatment, CBF tensile strength (71.5 ± 25 Mpa from 42.2 ± 10.5), and tensile modulus (4.15 ± 1.572 GPa from 2.1 ± 789) were increased. All the above findings concluded that CBFs are potential materials for reinforcement in fiber-reinforced plastics.
... The importance of adapting these uncertainties to the essential needs of composites for real practical applications was emphasised. Increasing matrix adherence by roughening the fibre surface can produce a high-strength composite, chemically treated fibre surfaces before composite production can solve these problems (Ganapathy et al., 2023). ...
... The importance of adapting these uncertainties to the essential needs of composites for real practical applications was emphasised. Increasing matrix adherence by roughening the fibre surface can produce a high-strength composite, chemically treated fibre surfaces before composite production can solve these problems (Ganapathy et al., 2023). ...
... Banyan-fiber-reinforced polymer composites improved the tensile and flexural strength of the hybrid polymer composite [37]. Published research has reported the beneficial effect of graphene powder/Banyan tree aerial root fiber/flax fiber/epoxy in 2%, 19%, 19%, and 60 wt.% proportions, respectively, on the mechanical properties of hybrid composites [38]. However, not much progress has been made until now in studying the effect of aerial roots of the Banyan tree as a natural filler in powder form in polymer resins. ...
Banyan aerial root (BAR) powder was prepared from the aerial roots of a Banyan tree to modify epoxy resin using a magnetic stirrer. The modification was performed at different proportions of BAR powder, namely, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, by weight. Composites were fabricated with modified and unmodified resins using a combination of hand lay-up and compression molding processes to evaluate the influence of BAR powders on their mechanical properties. The test results showed that BAR powder incorporation had a positive influence on the mechanical properties of the composites, as an increase in tensile, flexural, and impact strengths was observed, with the highest tensile and flexural properties of 407.81 MPa and 339 MPa, respectively, seen in composites with 4% BAR and the highest impact strength 194.02 kJ/m2 observed in the specimen with 6% BAR powder. Though the properties saw a dipping trend at higher weight proportions of the particulate, they were still significantly higher than the properties of laminates prepared with unmodified resin. Gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) on BAR powders confirmed cellulose to be the major constituent, followed by lignin and hemicellulose. A scanning electron microscope was used for studying the failure mechanisms of the laminates.
... Fibers were incorporated with thermoplastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, and thermosetting plastics such epoxy resin, polyester, polyurethane, vinyl ester-based composites for various applications. Banana, ramie, coir, sisal, flax, pineapple, and jute etc were the natural fibers incorporated with different plastic based composites [9][10][11][12]. ...
Hybrid ramie/flax natural fiber reinforcement along with epoxy resin is used as the matrix material in this research. Compression molding was adopted as the fabrication method. Ramie/flax at 40 wt. % and 1 cm fiber length showed a better tensile strength of 32.67 MPa than other combinations. Hybrid fiber combination from 30 to 40 wt. % created a strong compatibility between fiber/matrix phase and improved stress transfer behavior along with elastic deformation. Flexural strength results showed enhancement from 43.75 to 52.47 MPa with fiber addition and varying fiber length up to 40 wt. % and 0.5 cm. Impact strength of the hybrid combinations increased from 10.23 to 15.97 kJ/m². A 5 % NaOH treatment had significant tensile properties varying from 28.42 to 32.67 MPa compared to untreated and 8 % surface treated fibers. Alkali treatment a revealed 49.83–52.47 MPa and 49.12–49.99 MPa flexural strength. Maximum tensile strength of 33.46 MPa was observed under a combination of 120 °C temperature, 12 MPa pressure, and 7 min duration. High pressure, high operating temperature and time, lead to a decline in the mechanical properties of the polymer composites. The SEM analysis showed that the combination with 40 wt. % natural fiber had good fiber distribution leading to better properties. Research works dealing with natural fiber addition, fabrication conditions, and surface treatments are rare.
... Natural fiber-synthesized epoxy hybrid composite mechanical and thermal behavior was studied, and it reported that 0 and 90-degree cross-oriented fiber has good mechanical and thermal properties compared to zero fiber orientations [42]. Ficus benghalensis aerial root with flax fiber-bonded epoxy hybrid composite developed and utilized for structural applications, and its evaluation outcome showed higher tensile and flexural strength [43]. The study's authors prepared an epoxy composite by hand layup with 5 wt% to 25 wt% alkali-treated Zanthoxylum acanthopodium bark fiber and studied its mechanical and water absorption properties. ...
Synthetic fiber-based polymer matrix composites face significant nonbiodegradability problems, zero water absorption, and burn. The present investigation attempt to fabricate the epoxy resin-based polymer matrix composite with alkali-treated natural tamarind fruit fiber as the content of 0 wt%, 10 wt%, 20 wt,%, and 30 wt% via resin mold technique. The effect of (alkali-treated) tamarind fruit fiber on environmental degradability, tensile strength, and water absorption performance of the composite was evaluated and compared with untreated tamarind fruit fiber-synthesized composite sample. It revealed that 30 wt% alkali-treated tamarind fiber composite facilitates good degradable (3.9% weight loss), maximum tensile strength of 28.3 MPa, and limited water absorption of 5.8%. The revealed results permit the prospective effect from the tamarind fruit waste considered as a future polymer composite filler for automobile dashboard applications.
