With an ultrasonic frequency of 15 kHz and an 850 W power capacity, the effects of nanosilica particle inclusion on the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of woven fiber-reinforced kenaf/carbon fiber/epoxy hybrid composites were explored experimentally. The nanoparticles were dispersed uniformly in the epoxy using an ultrasonic probe. Test samples were made according to ASTM requirements for three distinct weight compositions of nanosilica particles (1, 1.5, and 2 wt%). The composites were made utilizing the compression moulding process with the following parameters: (i) weight ratio of nanosilica, (ii) length of kenaf fibers, and (iii) number of carbon fiber layers to achieve the objectives above. According to unmodified samples, with a nanosilica concentration of 1.5 wt%, tensile strength improved by 31%, flexural strength increased by 42.36%, and impact strength increased by 22.65%. It was established that the interaction of micro silica particles with epoxy and fiber, which improved interfacial tension, had a substantial impact on mechanical and water retention capabilities. The 1.5 wt% nanosilica inclusion absorbs less moisture than the 1 and 2 wt% silica composites. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine the fractured surface of the tested nanocomposites.
The utilization of natural fibre-based biodegradable polymers has expanded in the present circumstances since natural fibres are relatively inexpensive, recyclable, lighter, nonflammable, and harmless. However, hydrophilic nature is the most serious issue. To address this issue, the current study was applied to enhance the material characteristics of hybrid composites strengthened by CGF and nanosilica powder. To accomplish the mentioned goal, RSM calculated and optimized the following processing parameters using the BBD arrangement at various CGF fibre thickness (gsm), weight percent of nanosilica powder (wt. percent), and cryogenic treatment period (min). To prevent hydrophilic nature, the fibres were pretreated for four hours with a 5% alkaline solution. Deterioration models were created to analyze the material characteristics, and the optimal progression variables were determined. Based on the multiresponse surface methodology, the governable process variables for nano-silica- and CGF-based hybrid nanocomposites should be set at 3% silica, 300 gsm of CGF, and 30 minutes of cryogenic treatment. The tension, bending, and impact property correlation coefficient values (
R
2
) are 0.95, 0.94, and 0.95, respectively. The above-mentioned combinations provide better water absorption and mechanical strength.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.