Effect of Various Synthetic and Natural Fibers for the Production of Copper-Free Automotive Brake Pads

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Bamboo fibers were used as reinforcement in hardened epoxy mixes altered with ethoxylated soybean oil (ESO) to enhance the mechanical and thermal qualities. Compared to a bio-based epoxy mix, the tensile strength and modulus of the laminate with 20% bamboo fiber were higher. During thermogravity analysis (TGA) evaluation, it was discovered that the rate of deterioration peak had been moved to a warmer temperature, indicating improved thermal durability of the aggregate over the base material. The dynamic mechanical evaluation of the bio-based composite anticipated increased storage modulus and greater glass transition temperatures. High fiber–matrix adherence was visible in scanning electron morphology (SEM). Measurements of the interfacial adhesion demonstrate the hydrophilicity of the bio-based reinforced composites. The binding and effective insemination of fibers is responsible for the fiber-reinforced composite’s durability. Higher rigidity and durability were generated because the lignocellulosic biomass adhered well to the low-viscosity resin. Moreover, research on adherence in composite materials reveals that the interfaces of composite materials with bamboo fibers are becoming more hydrophilic. Sufficient mechanical hardness, stiffness, and durability are realized for automobile and industrial purposes.</div></div>

Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced with Epoxidized Soybean Oil for Automotive Seat Bases

Meshram,

Natrayan,

Balaji

et al. 2024

Thermal and Mechanical Properties of <italic>Abutilon indicum</italic> Fiber-Based Polyester Composites under Alkali Treatment for Automotive Sector

Kaliappan,

Natrayan,

Mohammed Ali

et al. 2024

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Natural fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly used in the automotive and aerospace industries since more studies focus on them because they are environmentally benign. The primary benefit of natural fibers over synthetic fibers is their biodegradability. In addition to meeting other standards, natural fiber-reinforced composites have high thermal and mechanical qualities. The current study’s main objective has been to investigate one such natural fiber-reinforced polymer. Biomaterials constructed of <i>Abutilon indicum</i> fiber reinforced with polyester were created in the current work. The test samples with the materials above underwent mechanical and thermal investigations to determine their strengths. The impact of alkali treatment (NaOH) on the fibers was also investigated and assessed. Compared to other samples such as 5, 10, and 15 g of fiber loadings the 20 g of fiber loading reveals the highest mechanical properties such as 59.21 MPa tensile, 72.45 MPa of bending, and 11.25 kJ/m<sup>2</sup> of impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that a composite made of alkali-treated fibers had superior mechanical properties. Thermal behavior of materials measured with differential thermal analysis–thermogravimetric equipment <i>Abutilon indicum</i> fiber-reinforced polyester polymers was thus characterized, and their properties were evaluated for their suitability to the aircraft and automobile industries, among others.</div></div>

Effects of Injection Molding on <italic>Linum usitatissimum</italic> Fiber Polyvinyl Chloride Composites for Automotive Underbody Shields and Floor Trays

Natrayan,

Kaliappan,

Balaji

et al. 2024

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">The automotive sector’s growing focus on sustainability has been spurred to investigate the creation of sustainable resources for different parts, emphasizing enhancing efficiency and minimizing environmental harm. For use in automobile flooring trays and underbody shields, this study examines the impact of injection molding on composite materials made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and <i>Linum usitatissimum</i> (flax) fibers. As processed organic fiber content was increased, the bending and tensile rigidity initially witnessed an upsurge, peaking at a specific fiber loading. At this optimal loading, the composite exhibited tensile strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus values of 41.26 MPa, 52.32 MPa, and 2.65 GPa, respectively. Given their deformation resistance and impact absorption attributes, the mechanical properties recorded suggest that such composites can be efficiently utilized for automotive underbody shields and floor trays. The inherent structure of the flax fiber within the PVC matrix constrains molecular movement, leading to superior deformation resistance that enhances impact force absorption. This characteristic is also responsible for the observed decline in impact strength as fiber content increases. The investigation’s results add to the expanding literature on environmentally friendly materials in automobile manufacturing and offer important new information for designing and producing floor trays and underbody shields made of PVC composites with <i>Linum usitatissimum</i> fiber.</div></div>