Effect of Surface Modified Montmorillonite Nanoclay on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Abstract

Due to their biodegradability, affordability, low density, and numerous other benefits, natural fiber polymer composites are preferable to conventional GFRP in maritime applications. However, when exposed to moisture, their mechanical qualities deteriorate. A significant agricultural waste called pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) can be employed as reinforcement in epoxy matrices. Improved interfacial bonding between phases improves interfacial bonding and hence enhance mechanical and water absorption properties. Only evaluation of mechanical properties is undertaken in this paper. Nanoclay in 1.5 and 3 wt% was incorporated in epoxy resin via magnetic stirring and ultrasonication. PALF fibers were subjected to NaOH treatment and was analyzed using SEM and FTIR techniques. Hand layup and compression moulding were used to fabricate composites using a nanoclay-epoxy resin combination and chemically treated PALF (20 & 30 wt%). The combination of 30 wt% PALF and 1.5 wt% nanoclay results in the maximum mechanical properties, namely tensile and flexural properties. The results of SEM investigation of fractured specimens show that interfacial bonding in epoxy composites containing PALF is poor while that in epoxy composites containing PALF and 1.5 wt% nanoclay is excellent. Due to nanoclay agglomerations, bonding is inadequate at 3 wt% nanoclay, which lowers the mechanical properties.

The Effects of Incorporating Nanoclay in NVCL-NIPAm Hydrogels on Swelling Behaviours and Mechanical Properties

“…NCSM had a detrimental effect on the F34 hydrogels stiffness except for a very small amount of NCSM, i.e., 0.1%. As explained in work conducted by Muralishwara et al, this could be due to a small percentage of NCSM being evenly distributed in the polymer matrix, causing the matrix's strengthening properties and improved interfacial bonding [43]. However, hydrogels containing 1.0% and 3.0% of NCSM showed degraded G ′ due to the wide agglomeration in the polymer matrix [44].…”

Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Nanoclay Filled Bamboo/Glass Fibre Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Hybrid Composites

“…Literatures suggested that addition on nanoclay improved the thermal resistance and mechanical properties of the composites. Muralishwara et al 16 confirmed that adding 1.5 wt.% of nanoclay in the epoxy matrix has improved tensile and flexural properties of the pineapple leaf reinforced epoxy composites. Fractography analysis clearly confirms the agglomeration of the nanoclay at 3 wt.% and causing reduction in mechanical properties of the hybrid composites.…”