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This paper reports on the preparation and mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites involving areca fine fibers (AFFs), sisal fibers (SFs), and roselle fibers (RFs) as reinforcing agents in a phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin-based polymer matrix. For comparative study, an AFF/glass fiber-reinforced PF hybrid composite and AFF/PF composite were also prepared. Hybrid composites were fabricated using a hand lay-up technique, where the weight fraction of fibers was kept at 40 wt% at a ratio of 1:1. Tensile and flexural properties of randomly oriented intimately mixed hybrid polymer composites were evaluated. The results revealed that the mechanical properties of the AFF/PF composite increased by a considerable amount when hybridized with the sisal fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the fractured surface of the composite specimens after mechanical testing.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) is a rapid method for the determination of protecting the ability of thin film coatings in addition to oxidation kinetics. Boron carbide (B4C) reinforced Ti-6Al-4V thin films were deposited through the magnetron sputtering coating technique. The effect of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 Wt. % of B4C adding on microstructure, thermal behaviour and hardness of Ti-6Al-4V-B4C coatings were investigated. Thermal analysis of Ti-6Al-4V-B4C coatings with varying percentage of B4C resulted in the establishment of an exothermic peak, for the reason that reduction in the oxidation of coating. The thermal behaviour of coating was improved by B 4C addition; those coatings are recommended for practical application. It was proven that the addition of B 4C not only alters the thermal stability but also transforms the mechanism of oxidation. It was absolutely unconcealed that the Ti-6Al-4V-B4C film oxidization may be a multi-staged procedure subject on the heating rate. An occurrence of formal treatment for obtaining Kissinger’s assessment mechanics for various oxidization levels is additionally valid. The addition of B4C was supported to enhance the nanohardness of the coating. The morphology, composition and structure of the thin film coatings were examined by way of SEM, AFM and XRD.

The important properties of implant materials are extended component life, wear resistance, and biocompatibility. The wear characteristics depend, for implant materials, on the nature of the implant, movement of joints, and usage of the part. Hard ceramic Ti-6Al-4V-2ZrC (Titanium (Ti), Aluminium (Al), Vanadium (V), Zirconium Carbide (ZrC)) was coated over stainless steel (SS) 316L for analyzing the wear and mechanical properties against E-52100 steel balls sliding for artificial hip joints. The coating crystallography was examined by X-ray diffraction analysis and the topography was inspected by an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The coating thickness has been measured as 5–6 µm using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the smooth surface roughness of 0.03 µm was measured using AFM. The Ti-6Al-4V-2ZrC coated surface nanohardness has been enhanced three times higher than uncoated. The ball-on-disk wear was investigated with a load of 2–3 N, sliding distance 110 m, and sliding velocity 0.25–0.95 m/s. The investigated wear rates are mostly higher than 10−5 mm3/Nm, and the frictional coefficient reduces from 0.8 to 0.35. The morphology of worn surfaces was analyzed using SEM. Based on the improvement in nanohardness, it is concluded that the Ti-6Al-4V-2ZrC coated SS 316L is a good replacement for an artificial hip joint because of its better wear resistance and coefficient of friction.