Performance Improvement of Kenaf/Glass Polymer Hybrid Composites by Effective Application of Fish Scale Powder as Filler:A Novel Approach

Modern technology for developing new items made from renewable resources is becoming more and more popular as a result of rising environmental concern.Recently,contemporary polymer composites have included the hybridization of natural fibers with synthetic ones,along with the inclusion of a variety of biowaste filler for developing sustainable goods.In this work,the kenaf/glass hybrid polyester composites are strengthened by the addition of fish scale(FS),which is taken from the fishs outermost layer of skin.Five different stacked-order laminates,such as KKKK,KGKG,GKKG,KGGK,and GGGG,are fabricated by using the hand lay-up method with four different weight concentrations of filler content:0%,5%,10%,and 15%.Mechanical possessions such as tensile,flexural,impact strength and micro-hardness have been evaluated through experimentation in accordance with ASTM standards.The experimental findings revealed that,the tensile strength and micro-hardness value of KGKG laminates with 15wt% of FS filler are found to be maximum of 118.72 MPa and 17.82 HV respectively which are 39.67%and 26.11%greater than that of KGKG laminates without FS filler.However,the flexural and impact strength of same laminates with 10 wt% FS filler exhibited a maximum value of 142.77 MPa and 62.08 kJ/m^(2).In order to corroborate its applicability for structural and building materials in open environment,the dimensional stability of the composite has been studied through moisture absorption test.The influences of FS filler loading on dimensional stability and resistance to moisture absorption capacity of laminates are also investigated.The experimental results reflected that the addition of FS-filler has significantly improved the dimensional stability of the laminates in moist environment by reducing the moisture absorption tendency.To further support the mode of failures,a fractography investigation of fractured surfaces was conducted.

STUDY ON TENSILE FAILURE MECHANISM AND HYBRID EFFECT OF INTRAPLY HYBRID COMPOSITES

The random critical-core model is adapted to investigate the tensile failuremechanism and hybrid effect of unidirectionally arrayed hybrid composites with alternating low andhigh elongation fibers. By utilizing the model in conjunction with the results of the stressconcentration analysis in which the interfacial damage between fiber and matrix is considered, amicroscopic statistical analysis of both the first failure and ultimate failure of hybrids isperformed. The variations of the first failure strain, the ultimate failure strain and the hybrideffect as the interfacial shear strength are obtained quantitatively. The concept of the hybrideffect for strains has been clarified. The present results are compared with available experimentdata and a reasonable agreement is found between the analytical predictions and the experimentalresults.

Effect of Hybridization on the Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber/Kenaf Phenolic Hybrid Composites

In this study,pineapple leaf fiber(PALF),kenaf fiber(KF)and PALF/KF/phenolic(PF)composites were fabricated and their mechanical properties were investigated.The mechanical properties(tensile,flexural and impact)of the PALF/KF/PF hybrid composites were investigated and compared with PALF/KF composites.The 3P7K exhibited enhanced tensile strength(46.96 MPa)and modulus(6.84 GPa),flexural strength(84.21 MPa)and modulus(5.81 GPa),and impact strength(5.39 kJ/m2)when compared with the PALF/PF and KF/PF composites.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)was used to observe the fracture surfaces of the tensile testing samples.The microstructure of the 7P3K hybrid composite showed good interfacial bonding and the addition of KF improved the interfacial strength.It has been concluded that the 3P7K ratio allowed obtaining materials with better mechanical properties(tensile,flexural and impact strengths)than PALF/PF and KF/PF composites.The results obtained in this study will be used for further comparative study of untreated hybrid composites with treated hybrid composites.

The Effects of Stacking Sequence on Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Thermal Degradation of Kenaf/Jute Hybrid Composites

This research focused on the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of woven mat jute/kenaf/jute(J/K/J)and kenaf/jute/kenaf(K/J/K)hybrid composites.Dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA)and Thermo-gravimetric Analysis(TGA)were used to study the effect of layering sequence on the thermal properties of kenaf/jute hybrid composites.The DMA results;it was found that the differences in the stacking sequence between the kenaf/jute composites do not affect their storage modulus,loss modulus and damping factor.From the TGA and DMA results,it has been shown that stacking sequence has given positive effect to the kenaf/jute hybrid composite compared to pure epoxy composite.This is because kenaf and jute fibre has increased the Tg values of the composites,thus affect the thermal degradation.Results showed that the storage modulus for kenaf/jute hybrid composites increased compared with pure epoxy composites with increasing temperature and the values of remained almost the same at glass transition temperature(Tg),the hybrid composite perhaps due to the improved fibre/matrix interface bonding.The preliminary analysis could provide a new direction for the creation of a novel hybrid composite which offers unique properties which cannot be accomplished in a single material system.

Effect of fibre orientations on the mechanical properties of kenaf–aramid hybrid composites for spall-liner application

This paper presents the effect of kenaf fibre orientation on the mechanical properties of kenaf–aramid hybrid composites for military vehicle's spall liner application. It was observed that the tensile strength of woven kenaf hybrid composite is almost 20.78% and 43.55% higher than that of UD and mat samples respectively. Charpy impact strength of woven kenaf composites is 19.78% and 52.07% higher than that of UD and mat kenaf hybrid composites respectively. Morphological examinations were carried out using scanning electron microscopy. The results of this study indicate that using kenaf in the form of woven structure could produce a hybrid composite material with high tensile strength and impact resistance properties.

The Effect of Water Absorption on Mechanical Properties of Wood Flour/Wheat Husk Polypropylene Hybrid Composites

The main objectives of this research were to study the effect of water absorption on mechanical properties of hybrid fiber reinforcement for polypropylene composites. The poor resistance towards water absorption is one of the draw- backs of natural fibers. Hybrid filler-polypropylene composites are subjected to water immersion tests in order to study the effects of water absorption on the mechanical properties. Composites specimens containing 30 phr and 40 phr fiber weight were prepared by melt blending process. Water absorption tests were conducted by immersion specimens in distilled water at room temperature for different time durations (24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 192 hours). The tensile, flexural and impact properties were investigated before and after water absorption. The percentage of moisture uptake increased as the increasing order of the filler loading due to the high cellulose content. The phase morphology of wood flour/wheat husk polypropylene hybrid composites were investigated by SEM, the dynamic mechanical properties of the composite are analyzed by DMA & wheat, wood filler interaction are analyzed by FT-IR.

Hybrid Composites of Phosphate Glass Fibre/Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Polylactide: Effects of Nano-Hydroxyapatite on Mechanical Properties and Degradation Behaviour

Hydroxyapatite/polylactide (HA/PLA) composites have been intensively investigated for their potential as biodegradable fixation devices to heal bone fractures. However, most of these composites failed to achieve a bone-mimicking level of mechanical properties, which is an essential demand of the targeted application. In this study, the nano-hydroxyapatite/polylactide composites were used as the matrix and continuous phosphate glass fibres (PGF) served as the major reinforcement to obtain the nano-HA/PGF/PLA hybrid composites. While the PGF volume fraction remained constant (25%), the nano-HA content (in weight) varied from 0% to 20%. As nano-HA loading increased, the flexural modulus of the composites increased from 8.70 ± 0.35 GPa to 14.97 ± 1.30 GPa, and the flexural strengths were enhanced from 236.31 ± 10.83 MPa to 310.55 ± 22.88 MPa. However, it is found that the degradation rates are higher with more nano-HA loaded. Enhanced water absorption ability, as well as increased voids in the composites is possible reasons for the accelerated degradation of composites with higher nano-HA loading. The hybrid composites possess mechanical properties that are superior to most of the HA/PLA composites in previous research while maintaining the biodegradability. With a proper loading of nano-HA in composites of 10 weight percent, the composites are also found with improved mechanical properties without catastrophic degradation. The composites developed in this study have great potential as biodegradable bone fixation device with enhanced load-bearing ability as confirmed and superior bioactivity as anticipated.

Mechanical and wear behaviour of AZ91D magnesium matrix hybrid composite reinforced with boron carbide and graphite

In this experimental study,magnesium(AZ91D)based boron carbide(B4C)and graphite(Gr)particle reinforced hybrid composite materials were manufactured by stir casting.The tribological and mechanical properties of these composite materials were investigated.The results of the tests revealed that the graphite reinforced hybrid composites exhibited a lower wear loss compared to the unreinforced AZ91D alloy and AZ91D–B4C composites.It was found that with an increase in the B4C content,the wear resistance increased monotonically with hardness and ultimate tensile strength decreased.This study revealed that the addition of both a hard reinforcement(e.g.,B4C)and soft reinforcement(e.g.,graphite)significantly improves the wear resistance of magnesium composites.These entire results designate that the hybrid magnesium composites can be considered as an excellent material where high strength,ultimate tensile strength and wear-resistant components are of major importance,primarily in the aerospace and automotive engineering sectors.

Mechanical behavior of SiC foam-SiC particles/Al hybrid composites

The hybrid SiC foam-SiC particles/Al double interpenetrating composites to be used as the brake materials of high speed train were fabricated by squeeze casting technique. The influence of the type of matrix on the mechanical properties and the fracture mechanism of the hybrid composites was investigated. The interface bond in the hybrid composites is good for the composites have the unique double interpenetrating structure. The ductile matrix resists the propagation of the microcracks in the struts. During the microcrack propagation process, the energy absorption and the fracture surface area are increased, which increases the ductility of the hybrid composites. The compressive strength of the hybrid composite reinforced by the SiC with the total volume fraction of 53% is 660 MPa, which is higher than that of traditional composite reinforced by single SiC particles.

Evaluation on Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviour of Al6061-Al₂O₃-Gr Hybrid Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are gaining widespread recognition in numerous technological fields owing to its superior mechanical properties when compared with conventional metals/alloys. The aluminium based hybrid composites are increasingly being used in the transport, aerospace, marine, automobile and mineral processing industries, owing to the improved strength, stiffness and wear resistance properties. In the present research work, the composites were prepared using the liquid metallurgy technique, in which 2 - 10 weight percentage of Al2O3 particulates and 1 weight percentage of Graphite were dispersed in the base Al6061 alloy. The Casted hybrid composites were subjected to machining process to prepare the specimens according to ASTM standards. Then, the prepared specimens are subjected for assessing the Microstructure followed by its Mechanical behaviors such as, Hardness, Tensile strength, Compressive strength respectively. The microstructure analysis confirms that homogenous distribution of Al2O3 and Gr in the Al6061 matrix alloy and there was a momentous enhancement in decisive tensile strength, compressive strength and hardness properties of the hybrid composite. However, a substantial increase in the compressive strength was noticed in graphite reinforced composites as the graphite content was increased and there was a significant diminution in hardness coupled with monotonic increases in the ductility. Further, the ultimate tensile strength and compressive strength of the composite was noticed;thus the outcome of the study will provide explicit rationalizations for these observable facts. Therefore, the proposed way out in the study can provide ample of approaches to minimize the existing problem by employing this newer hybrid composites.

Effect of Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Multiscale SiC_p Hybrid Reinforced 6061 Aluminum Matrix Composites

The performance of solid solution aging treatment on aluminum matrix composites prepared by powder metallurgy and reinforced with 6061 aluminum alloy powder as matrix;meanwhile, nano silicon carbide particles(nm Si Cp), submicron silicon carbide particles(1 μm Si Cp) and Ti particles were studied. The Al/Si Cp composite powder was prepared by high-energy ball milling, and then cold-pressed, sintered, hotextruded, and then heat-treated with different solution temperatures and aging times for the extruded composites. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS), X-ray diffractometer(XRD) and extrusion testing were used to analyze and test the microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum matrix composites. The results show that after the multi-stage solid solution at 530 ℃×2 h+535 ℃×2 h+540 ℃×2 h, the particles are mainly equiaxed grains and uniformly distributed. There is no reinforcement agglomeration, and the surface is dense and the insoluble phase is basically dissolved. In the matrix, the strengthening effect is good, and the hardness and compressive strength are 179.43 HV and 680.42 MPa, respectively. Under this solution process, when the aluminum matrix composites are aged at 170 ℃ for 10 h, the hardness and compressive strength can reach their peaks and increase to 195.82 HV and 721.48 MPa, respectively.

Preparation and mechanical properties of TLCP/ UP / GF in-situ hybrid composites

One kind of novel reactive thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer-methacryloyl copolymer (LCMC) containing polyester mesogenic units was synthesized. Its structure, morphology and properties were investigated systemically by Ubbelohde viscometer, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wide-angle X-ray diffractometry (WAXD) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM). The results indicate that it is one kind of nematic thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (TLCP). The impact strength, bending strength and the morphologies of impact fracture surface of LCMC, unsaturated polyester (UP) and glass fiber (GF) in-situ hybrid composites were studied by Izod impact tester, universal testing machine and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The results show that the impact and bending strength of composites containing LCMC are improved, especially the composites containing 5% LCMC increases most obviously. These results with SEM results reveal that LCMC plays an important role in the improvement of interfacial adhesive between matrix and fiber.

Nonlinear and Rate-Dependent Hysteretic Responses of Active Hybrid Composites

Nonlinear electro-mechanical behaviors of piezoelectric materials and viscoelastic nature of polymers result in the overall nonlinear and hysteretic responses of active polymeric composites. This study presents a hybrid-unit-cell model for obtaining the effective nonlinear and rate-dependent hysteretic electro-mechanical responses of hybrid piezocomposites. The studied hybrid piezocomposites consist of unidirectional piezoelectric fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix, which is reinforced with piezoelectric particles. The hybrid-unit-cell model is derived based on a unit-cell model of fiber-reinforced composites consisting of fiber and matrix subcells, in which the matrix subcells are comprised of a unit-cell model of particle-reinforced composites. Nonlinear electro-mechanical responses are considered for the piezoelectric constituents while a viscoelastic solid constitutive model is used for the polymer constituent. The hybrid-unit cell model is used to examine the effects of different responses of the constituents, microstructural arrangements, and loading histories on the overall nonlinear and hysteretic electro-mechanical responses of the hybrid piezocomposites, which are useful in designing active polymeric composites.

Effect of stacking sequence on physical, mechanical and tribological properties of glass-carbon hybrid composites

A study was done to determine the effect of best stacking sequence(position and orientation)on the mechanical properties,friction and wear response of hybrid composites.The main purpose of the study was to determine the best available stacking sequence for which the physical,mechanical and three body abrasive wear rate is optimum.Test for mechanical properties(tensile strength,flexural strength,inter laminar shear strength,impact strength and hardness)was done on glass-carbon hybrid composites.The composites were then subjected to test for three body abrasive wear on a designed experimental setup.Five different factors(sliding velocity,fabric weight percentage,normal load,sliding distance and abrasive particle size)varied in steps to evaluate the friction and three body abrasive wear response of the composites.The design of experiment using Taguchi’s orthogonal array and analysis of variance(ANOVA)was applied to find out minimum specific wear rate.The results revealed the significance in arrangement of two different layers of fabric(glass and carbon)and the difference in properties obtained by them.Using Taguchi experimental analysis it has been observed that three body abrasive wear rate is minimum at 72 cm/s sliding velocity,30 wt.%fabric content,80 N normal load,90 m sliding distance and 125μm abrasive particle size.The scanning electron microscope(SEM)studies revealed the dynamics of three‐body abrasive wear and underlying micro‐mechanisms that result in the analysis of three body abrasive wear.

Effect of Fe content on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-Fe-based composite coatings by laser induction hybrid rapid cladding

To select the proper composition and obtain an overall material?microstructure?property relationship for Cu?Fe alloy, theeffect of Fe content on microstructure and properties of Cu?Fe-based composite coatings by laser induction hybrid rapid claddingwas investigated. Microstructure characterization of the composite coatings was tested utilizing SEM, XRD and EDS. Microhardnessmeasurement was executed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composite coatings. The results show that for low Fe content,the composite coating presents a feature that Fe-rich equiaxed dendrites are embedded in the Cu-rich matrix. With increasing Fecontent, the Fe-rich particles are dispersed in the Cu-rich matrix. With further increasing Fe content, large amounts of Cu-richparticles are homogeneously dispersed in the interdendrite of the Fe-rich matrix. Correspondingly, the average microhardness of thecomposite coatings increases gradually with the increase of Fe content and the microhardness of Cu14.5Fe83Si2C0.5 coating is muchtwice higher than that of the substrate.

Effect of aging treatment on mechanical properties of (SiCw+SiCp)/2024Al hybrid nanocomposites

2024Al based composites reinforced by a hybrid of SiC whisker and SiC nanoparticle were fabricated by a squeeze casting route. In the (SiCw+SiCp)/Al composites, the volume fraction of SiC whisker is 20% and that of SiC nanoparticle is 2%, 5% and 7%, respectively. The as cast composites were solution treated followed by aging treatment. The experimental results show that the SiC nanoparticles are more effective in improving the hardness and tensile strength of the composites than SiC whiskers. The hardening kinetics of the composites is enhanced by reinforcements addition and the peak aging time is 4-5 h. The hardness of all the hybrid composite decreases at the initial aging stage, suggesting that dislocation recovery softening process coexists with precipitation hardening. DSC study shows that the GP zone formation of the hybrid composites is suppressed.

Effect of Stacking Sequences on the Mechanical and Damping Properties of Flax Glass Fiber Hybrid

The aim of this study is to show the interest of the mechanical and dynamical properties of glass-flax hybrid composites.Therefore,various staking sequences of glass-flax hybrid composites were manufactured and tested in free vibrations.The damping coefficients were identified by fitting the experimental responses of free-free bending vibrations.The obtained results show that the staking sequences and the position of flax fiber layers in the hybrid composites changed the properties,so a classification of different stacking sequences was established.In fact,the hybrid laminate made of two glass external layers placed on both sides of four flax layers is very interesting in term of its mechanical and damping properties.Indeed,it showed better specific bending modulus and loss factor than glass composites with proportions of 31 and 39%,respectively.A study of a structure of this composite has been made to validate the obtained results.

Mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol-basalt hybrid fiber engineered cementitious composites with impact of elevated temperatures

In the present study,the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)-basalt hybrid fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composites(ECC)after exposure to elevated temperatures were experimentally investigated.Five temperatures of 20,50,100,200 and 400℃ were set to evaluate the residual compressive,tensile and flexural behaviors of hybrid and mono fiber ECC.It was shown that partial replacement of PVA fibers with basalt fibers endowed ECC with improved residual compressive toughness,compared to brittle failure of mono fiber ECC heated to 400℃.The tension tests indicated that the presence of basalt fibers benefited the tensile strength up to 200℃,and delayed the sharp reduction of strength to 400℃.Under flexural load,the peak deflections corresponding to flexural strengths of hybrid fiber ECC were found to be less vulnerable ranging from 20 to 100℃.Further,the scanning electron microscopy(SEM)results uncovered that the rupture of basalt fiber at moderate temperature and its pullout mechanism at high temperature was responsible for the mechanical evolution of hybrid fiber ECC.This work develops a better understanding of elevated temperature and basalt fiber impact on the residual mechanical properties and further provides guideline for tailoring ECC for improved fire resistance.

Mechanical Properties of Phenolic-Resin Composites Reinforced with CF/BF Interlayer Hybrid Fibers

Phenolic-resin composites reinforced with carbon fiber（CF） and basalt fiber（BF） interlayer hybrid fibers plain fabric were fabricated.The tensile strength,compressive strength and interlaminar shear strength of the prepared composites were studied.The results indicated that hybrid fibers reinforced composites possessed the advantages of both CF and BF.When resin content was 35% by volume fraction,the comprehensive mechanical performance of BF/CF reinforced phenolic resin composites reached the optimal values with the warp and weft direction tensile strength,compressive strength and interlayer shear strength being 252 MPa and 487 MPa,105 MPa and 129 MPa,21 MPa and 20 MPa,respectively.The scanning electron microscope（SEM） observations showed that the BF/CF hybrid fibers reinforced composites had better interfacial adhesion.