Optimization of short Indian Areca fruit husk fiber (Areca catechu L.)–reinforced polymer composites for maximizing mechanical properties

Natural fibers are being used as reinforcing materials for polymer composites due to their eco-friendly properties. Areca fruit husk fiber (AFHF) is one such fiber; it is currently discarded waste from the tobacco industry, but has huge potential. It is light in weight with a perforated surface that enables good bonding with a polymer matrix. In this study, comprehensive characterization of physical, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and microstructural properties was carried out on the fiber and the composite made with that fiber to optimize the fiber content. The optimum fiber content is found to be 40 wt.%, whereas beyond that, fiber pull-out and debonding reduces the load-bearing capacity of the composite. The specific properties of AFHF polymer composite are even higher than that of the popular E-glass fiber composite, which positions AFHF composite as an alternative structural material.     

五种植物纤维粉填充不饱和聚酯树脂复合材料的性能对比

以芝麻秸秆粉、水稻秸秆粉、玉米芯秆粉、菠萝叶粉、甘蔗渣粉五种不同植物纤维粉为填充体、不饱和聚酯树脂(UPR)为基体制作植物纤维粉/UPR复合材料,对比研究了秸秆种类对复合材料密度、力学性能及吸水性能的影响。结果表明,植物纤维粉粒径为100目、添加量为UPR用量的10%时,芝麻秸秆粉/UPR复合材料的综合力学性能最好,拉伸强度、弯曲强度和冲击强度分别为41.320 MPa、67.467 MPa和2.815 KJ/m^2,且每一浸泡阶段吸水率均最低。     

Conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of flaky Ni/Ni-Cu-coated glass fiber/epoxy resin composite coating

Flaky Ni/Ni-Cu-coated glass fiber/epoxy resin composite coatings were prepared using the glass fibers and flaky nickel powders as fillers and epoxy resin as binder. The conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the coatings are as follows: (1) the appropriate content of Ni-Cu-coated glass fibers is 6 wt % in the composite filler and the optimum ratio of the filler to epoxy resin is 4: 1; (2) electrical conductivity of the coating with a thickness of 300 μm has a minimum value of 0.72 Ω cm; (3) shielding effectiveness of the coatings is up to 50.21–55.43 dB in the frequency range of 0.3–1000 MHz. This offers a new idea to enhance the added value of the glass fibers and raise the level of electromagnetic radiation protection.     

Epoxy‐based composite adhesives: Effect of hybrid fillers on thermal conductivity,rheology, and lap shear strength

Thermal management is an important parameter in an electronic packaging application. In this work, three different types of fillers such as natural graphite powder (Gr) of 50‐μm particle size, boron nitride powder (h‐BN) of 1‐μm size, and silver flakes (Ag) of 10‐μm particle size were used for thermal conductivity enhancement of neat epoxy resin. The thermal properties, rheology, and lap shear strength of the neat epoxy and its composite were investigated. The analysis showed that the loading of different wt% of Gr‐based fillers can effectively increase the thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin. It has also been observed that the thermal conductivity of the hybrid filler (Gr/h‐BN/Ag) reinforced epoxy adhesive composite increased six times greater than that of neat epoxy resin composite. Further, the viscosity of hybrid filler reinforced epoxy resin was found to be increased as compared with its virgin counterpart. The adhesive composite with optimized filler content was then subsequently subjected to determine single lap shear strength. The degree of filler dispersion and alignment in the matrix were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.     

Impact of surface adaptation and Acacia nilotica biofiller on static and dynamic properties of sisal fiber composite

Nowadays, the awareness of the public along with strict legitimate forces over the use of polymers, the manufacturing and automotive industries started using the renewable materials. Since, natural fiber reinforced composites play vital role in developing lightweight structural materials, this study focuses on utilizing sisal fiber as reinforcement in polyester matrix along with natural filler. The influence of fiber length and fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of sisal fiber was studied initially. Test results revealed that the composite with 20?mm fiber length and 20-volume fraction composite has better mechanical properties. Furthermore, the effect of fiber surface modification has been analyzed using various chemical solutions such as NaOH, KMnO₄, stearic acid, and maleic acid. Of these, NaOH treatment enhances the mechanical properties of composite compared to all other cases. Finally, the influence of Acacia nilotica, a natural filler addition into the alkali-treated sisal fiber composite has been evaluated by mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. It is found that the addition of natural filler and surface treatment has enhanced the properties of composites due to their synergetic effect. This effect improves the adhesion and uniform stress transfer among the reinforcements. The fiber surface morphology was evaluated using micrographs obtained from scanning electron microscope.     

Structure and characteristics of chitosan-based fibers containing chrysotile and halloysite

With the use of the methods of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, chitosan fibers prepared by coagulation into an alcohol-alkali mixture are shown to possess a two-phase structure containing C- and O-type crystallites. These fibers and composite fibers containing halloysite and Mg chrysotile nanotubes are characterized by anisotropic structure, i.e., by the orientation of both chitosan crystallites and Mg chrysotile particles along the fiber axis. A comparison of the rates of shear induced by passing of a polymer solution through a die and the data of rheological studies allows the conclusion that the structuring of chitosan solution under the applied field of shear stresses and the orientation of polymer macromolecules and filler nanotubes occur. An increase in the draw ratio during fiber spinning does not assist orientation of polymer crystallites but, in contrast, increases surface defectiveness and leads to the nucleation of longitudinal cracks; as a result, the strength of fibers decreases. The introduction of 5 wt % Mg chrysotile into the chitosan matrix markedly increases the mechanical characteristics of the composite fibers owing to the reinforcing action of oriented filler nanotubes.     

Thermoplastic polyurethane/silica nanocomposite fibers by electrospinning

Thermoplastic polyurethane/silica nanocomposite fibers with good mechanical properties were prepared by electrospinning, using colloidal silica as the source of silica and dimethyl formamide as the solvent. The fiber morphology was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The average fiber diameter is about 0.8 μm with 0–10 wt % silica, and silica nanoparticles were observed on all fiber surfaces. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of Si in combination with transmission electron microscopy observation suggest that silica nanoparticles have a fairly uniform distribution in the fibers rather than enriching on the fiber surfaces. Tensile tests show that the incorporation of silica nanoparticles can bring about a significant reinforcing effect without decreasing the ductility. The reinforcing effect is further confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermoplastic polyurethane/silica composite fiber mats can adsorb gold nanoparticles after further treatment with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, demonstrating that the composite fibers could be used as functional fibers by using the properties of silica nanoparticles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011     

Thermal kinetics and morphological investigation of alkaline treated rice husk biomass

Agro waste bio mass are creating challenges for environment in term of air pollution due to improper disposal. Rice milling is the process in which rice husk is produced as by-product. The agro-waste rice husk has tremendous potential to be used either in its raw form or in ash form. The inherent component of this waste cellulose provides enhanced properties in a reinforced composite when used as filler. Rice husk is the hard outer layer and covering rice seed, which makes reinforcement challenging in its original form. Fiber surface treatment significantly improves adhesion with matrix and various thermo chemical properties of filler as well as of composites. NaOH treatment is cost-effective and it ensures the adhesion with matrix by removal of hemicellulose and lignin. The chemical treatment of agro-waste (rice husk) is performed with 5% alkali solutions of NaOH in water. Results are compared with the properties of untreated rice husk for thermal and morphological characterizations. In the present work, we are trying to quantify the impact of chemical treatment on rice husk thermal decomposition and its kinetics. Thermogravimetric analysis and kinetics study of thermal degradation, provide key input towards pyrolysis pattern of rice husk, while FTIR and SEM analysis provide the prospects of this bio filler using a reinforcing agent to develop green composite and productive disposal. The FTIR data helps to find the possibilities of blending different bio fillers and natural fibers to find suitable reinforcing substances. The average activation energy of treated fiber is noted as 137.95 by KAS method and 108.08 by FWO method as compared to 55.56 by KAS method & 54.26 by FWO method for untreated rice husk.     

Molecular modeling of matrix chain deformation in nanofiber filled composites

The effects of the oriented fiber filler particles on the microscopic properties of the matrix network chains were investigated by using nanofiber filler particles as reinforcing material. Monte Carlo Rotational Isomeric State simulations were carried out for filled poly(ethylene) (PE) networks to study the dependence of the conformational distribution functions of polymer chains and their elastomeric properties on filler loadings. We were especially interested how the excluded volume effect of the nanofiber particles and their orientation (specifically orientational anisotropy) in the matrix influence elastomeric properties of the network. Distribution functions of the end-to-end distances of polymer chains for both unfilled and filled networks were calculated. Effects of nanofiber reinforcements with varying fiber radii and fiber volume fractions were investigated. We have found that the presence of nanofibers significantly increase the non-Gaussian behavior of polymer chains in the composite. The anisotropic effects of the nanofibers on mechanical properties of polymeric composites were studied as a function of their relative orientation to the direction of deformation. The modulus (reduced nominal stress per unit strain) was calculated from the distribution of end-to-end distances of polymer chains using the Mark–Curro method. Relatively small amount of nanofibers was found to increase the normalized moduli of the composite. Our results are quite in satisfactory qualitative agreement with experimental data reported in the literature. This shows that computer simulations provide a powerful tool in predicting physical properties of composite materials.     

Fabrication and characterization of gamma-irradiated recycled (thermoplastic/elastomer) matrix filled with feldspar composites

A composite of waste polyethylene, recycled waste rubber powder and reactive compatibilizing agent maleic anhydride, 60/40/2 mass%, was loaded with increasing contents, up to 20 mass%, of the reinforcing filler, feldspar [K (Al SiO₃O₈)]. The composites were gamma-irradiated at various doses up to 150 kGy. Selected physical, mechanical, and thermal parameters were investigated as functions of radiation dose and filler content. Gamma irradiation led to a significant improvement in the properties for all composites irradiated with 150 kGy. Similarly, the increase in feldspar content provided substantial improvement in properties as a result of development in the interfacial adhesion between the filler particles and composite components. The results were confirmed by examining the fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopic techniques.     

Extraction and characterization of lignocellulosic fibers from Luffa cylindrica fruit

The need for recyclable, renewable materials has resulted in an increased use of natural fibers for reinforcing polymers to suit a wide variety of applications. This study is mainly focused on the extraction and characterization of the lignocellulosic fibers derived from the ripened, dried Luffa cylindrica L. fruit. Characterization studies such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis are conducted and reported. Composite samples prepared using unsaturated polyester resin show an increasing impact strength on fiber loading. Fractured surface of the composites are examined using scanning electron microscope. Results show the feasibility of fibers for reinforcement in polymers.     

Physico-chemical,thermal, and flexural characterization of Cocos nucifera fibers

Currently there is a growing interest in reinforcing polymers using natural fibers for a wide variety of applications because of their desirable properties such as biodegradability, low density, low cost, and abundant availability. In this study, the raw lignocellulosic fibers of Cocos nucifera palm were extracted, and characterization studies such as Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted and reported. Composite samples were prepared using polyester resin, and the effect of fiber loading on flexural strength is reported. Surface morphology of the fractured samples was examined using a scanning electron microscope.     

Development and Analysis of New Filament Wound Composite Pipes Made of Glass Fiber Reinforced 3P Resin

Filament wound composite pressure pipes made of newly developed 3P, various hybrid and reference resin materials and glass fiber filaments were investigated. 3P resins consist of soluble silicates, polyisocyanates and other additives, they are flame and chemical resistant, and capable of curing under wet conditions. Tensile strengths, tensile moduli and effective moduli values obtained from ring stiffness tests were evaluated. Properties of pipe types made of new resin materials were compared to those made of reference resins. A special tensile specimen fabricating process and a cross sectional area calculating method was presented. The calculation method is capable of handling the geometric inaccuracies of specimen prefabrication steps e.g. cutting. Evaluated material properties were discussed by defining dimensionless performance factors. Pipes were classified according to these performance factors and the suitability of the new resin materials for composite pressure pipe manufacturing was established. The best newly developed matrix materials were the 16905 type vinylester-3P hybrid and 16907 type vinylester-urethane hybrid resins, because of their outstanding mechanical properties.     

An innovative approach to utilize waste silica fume from zirconia industry to prepare high performance natural rubber composites for multi-functional applications

Silica fume (SF) is silica-rich amorphous waste by-product obtained during zirconium silicate electrofusion process. The key objective of the study was to determine the efficiency of SF as a reinforcing filler in Natural Rubber (NR) compounds vis a vis the conventional filler, high abrasion furnace (HAF) black. Inter-particle distance and particle size distribution analysis from Transmission Electron Microscopy exhibited homogeneous dispersion of filler in hybrid composite (NR SF20/HAF30) with Bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide (TESPT). NR composite with 20 phr SF loading improved modulus by 107%, tensile strength by 12%, and tear strength by 28% over gum NR. Hybrid composite showed 111% increase in modulus than NR SF20 composite. Theoretical modelling of Young's modulus with volume fraction of filler quite fit with Guth-Gold equation. Hybrid composite with TESPT showed 72% reduction in heat build-up compared to NR HAF50 composite. Thermal stability improved by 6 °C and rolling resistance reduced by 64% for hybrid TESPT composite compared to NR HAF50 composite. Constrained region in NR composites obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis showed improved rubber-filler interaction in hybrid TESPT composite. Hence, this work not only provides a new approach to utilize industrial waste but also provides for a high performance NR composite at low cost.     

Effect of wood sawdust filler on the mechanical properties of Indian mallow fiber yarn mat reinforced with polyester composites

The research article focused on the effect of wood sawdust as secondary filler reinforcement in Indian mallow fiber yarn mat reinforced with polyester composites. Composites were fabricated along the transverse and longitudinal orientation in six different combinations by compression molding machine. The mechanical properties of composites by single and double layer yarn mat with and without wood sawdust filler were evaluated while loading composites specimen on warp and weft direction at the first time in this research paper. The Indian mallow fiber double layer longitudinal orientation yarn mat/wood sawdust filler/polyester composite specimen along the warp direction was found to exhibit optimum mechanical properties compared to other composites. Furthermore, the Indian mallow fiber yarn mat composites were fabricated with helmet and civil construction pipes at first time in this work to replace the synthetic fiber through natural fiber. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to study the morphologies of internal crack and fractured surface of composites.     

Effect of Oil Palm and Jute Fiber Treatment on Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Hybrid Composites

In this work, oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) and jute fibers were treated with 2-hydroxy ethyl acrylate (2-HEA) to improve interfacial bonding of oil palm EFB and jute fibers with epoxy matrix. Hybrid composites were fabricated by incorporation of modified oil palm EFB and jute fibers into an epoxy matrix by the hand lay-up technique. Mechanical (flexural and impact) and morphological properties of modified hybrid composites were measured. Results indicated that flexural and impact properties of modified fiber–reinforced hybrid composites improved as compared to untreated hybrid composites due to better fiber/matrix interfacial bonding, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. We confirmed that treated oil palm/jute hybrid composite may be fabricated by advanced techniques such as resin transfer molding, extrusion, and injection molding for industrial applications in the automotive sector.     

异相成核和拉伸诱导对生物基PHBV复合纤维结晶结构与力学性能的影响

采用熔融纺丝法制备了聚(3-羟基丁酸酯-co-3-羟基戊酸酯)(PHBV)/二硫化钨(WS_2)复合纤维.利用示差扫描量热仪(DSC)、热台偏光显微镜、二维广角射线衍射仪(2D-WXRD)、纤维强力仪研究了WS_2异相成核作用和牵伸诱导作用对纤维的结晶结构和力学性能的影响.研究表明,WS_2显著提高了PHBV的结晶温度,当使用2 wt%WS_2时,复合材料的结晶温度提高到115~130oC,比纯PHBV(99~105oC)提高了约25oC.WS_2不仅没有影响PHBV球晶的径向生长速率,且明显提高了PHBV/WS_2复合材料的晶核密度,熔体成核活性Φ由1.0降低为0.49.随着牵伸倍率和WS_2用量的增加,纤维的拉伸强度呈现出先增加后减小的趋势.当添加1 wt%WS_2并采用单向牵伸3.8倍时,纤维中的晶体取向产生了β晶结构,使复合纤维的拉伸强度由纯PHBV的37 MPa提高至155 MPa,断裂伸长率由2.4%增加至45%.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyester-Based Nanocomposite

Recently, unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and silica nanocomposite prepared by mechanical process is the one of the promising composite materials. In this study, the effects of silica as filler on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of unsaturated polyester-based composite were investigated. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation and Young's modulus increase with the addition of silica nanoparticle up to 1.0 wt%, and then decrease, over 1.0 wt%. Morphological surface of composite reveals that well-dispersed silica in the matrix occurred in low concentration. However, increasing of silica concentration causes aggregation of particles. Enhancement of mechanical properties strongly corresponds to strong adhession force of silica with the matrix and it influnced by well-disperse silica particles on the whole surface of composite. Thermal characterization and analysis of major functional group of the composites were also performed and described in this paper.     

Biocomposites based on poly(butylene succinate) and curaua: Mechanical and morphological properties

Biocomposites based on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and curaua fibers have been produced by compression molding, and investigated as a function of fiber length and amount. Mechanical tests, water uptake and morphology studies were carried out in order to assess the composite features according to the characteristics of the reinforcing agents. It turns out that the impact and flexural strengths increase with fiber content. Moreover, the fiber length, varying from 1 to 4 cm for the composite reinforced with 20 wt% of fiber, influences impact strength, which is higher for shorter than for longer fibers. However, flexural strength is not greatly influenced by the length of the fibers. Water uptake studies reveal a higher sensitivity of the material to fiber content rather than fiber size. Biocomposites, which are characterized by enhanced mechanical properties as compared to PBS, can have different applications, for example in rigid packaging or interior car parts.     

Glue for joints and repair of elements of graphite molds

Pulverbakelite (solid novolac phenol-formaldehyde resins with hexamine additive) and bakelite varnish (solution in alcohol resole resin) glue composites containing graphite powder filler have been studied for bonding and repair of mold elements that are used in the model-free fabrication of titanium alloys. A composite I (G42P32S26) with 32 wt % of pulverbakelite, 42 wt % of graphite, and 26 wt % of alcohol as solvent is shown to respond the requirements.