Effect of chemical treatment and fiber loading on various properties of Bauhinia vahlii bast fibers/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites for automotive body parts

Abstract

Currently, automobile industries are paying more attention on fabricating light weight materials for making vehicle body parts. So lots of research work is been carried out on natural fibers owing to their light weight and eco-friendly nature. In this current research, composites were fabricated by reinforcing treated Bauhinia vahlii bast fiber (BV) fibers with Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic polymer for making light weight automobile parts. Various properties like static and dynamic mechanical properties, thermal as well as morphological properties were studied. To get a better compatibility with ABS matrix, surfaces of fibers were treated with various chemicals. An enhancement in mechanical properties was noticed with the increase in treated BV fiber loading till optimum (23 wt%) thereafter declines. The highest mechanical properties obtained at optimum fiber loading was recorded as 68.94 MPa of tensile strength, 7.02 GPa of young's modulus, 95.27 MPa of flexural strength and 33.25 kJ/m 2 of impact strength. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for analysis. Overall, the results show that reinforcing ABS matrix with BV filler improves the characteristics of the manufactured composite materials effectively. It was found that composites fabricated from 23 wt% fiber content shows superior static and dynamic mechanical properties as well as thermal properties as compared with other fabricated composites and can be used for making lightweight automobile parts.

Enhancing the fiber-matrix interface of r-ABS and bamboo fiber composite developed through melt compounding: An analysis of mechanical and morphological

“…Similarly, the AT-BNF/ABS composites mentioned in the study by Kusić et al 32 exhibited a decrease in Charpy impact strength. Likewise, the impact strength of AT-BVF/ ABS composites, as referenced in the study by Sahu et al 33 also experienced a decline. Similarly, it is observed that in this study also the impact strength of BF/r-ABS composites is lower than the matrix r-ABS.…”

“…The said increased trend for flexural strength is observed for the BBF/CF-ABS composites as compared to the matrix CF-ABS. 15 Again Kusic et al 32 and Sahu et al 33 also addressed in their study of AT-BNF/ ABS composites regarding the increased flexural properties with the incorporation of bamboo natural fiber into the matrix in an increasing order upto 30%. 4 approximately 16.8%, 40% and 53% lower notched Izod impact strength.…”

Unveiling new frontiers: Bast fiber‐reinforced polymer composites and their mechanical properties

“…Reduced health risks and better mechanical properties are the reasons for considering bast fibers as the best fit for automotive applications. [194][195][196] Most of the European vehicle parts have been incorporated with bio-based composites. Door cladding, seatback linings, and floor panels are the major parts where the fibers are used.…”

“…This sector uses the bast fiber with the thermoplastic and thermoset resins in the molding process to fabric the composites perfectly. Reduced health risks and better mechanical properties are the reasons for considering bast fibers as the best fit for automotive applications 194–196 . Most of the European vehicle parts have been incorporated with bio‐based composites.…”