Effects of Nanoclay on the Tensile Strength and Microstructure of Tigernut Fibre- Epoxy Composites (NFPCs)

Abstract

Natural fibres have gained huge attention of researchers in the field of composite manufacturing due to its low cost, biodegradability, availability and high performance. However, due to its high hydroxyl content of cellulose, natural fibre is susceptible to water absorption which invariably adversely affects properties of the composite. Researchers have proved that nano-materials such as nanoclay mixed with the polymer composites can overcome the problem. This study investigates tensile strength and microstructural property of tigernut fibres reinforced polymer composites tailored to automotive application. Tigernut fibres mixed with nanoclay of size 50≤µm, were used to reinforce epoxy in three levels of loading 2, 4, 6 % respectively. The composite was prepared by shear mixing of polymer and the reinforcements, followed by lamination and curing of the composite. The tensile strength and microstructural property of the composites produced were examined. The results show that tensile strength increases as the percentage weight fraction of the reinforcement increases. The microstructures show good interfacial adhesion between reinforcement and polymer matrix. Tigernut fibre show a sustainable material useful for automotive applications.

Investigation of mechanical properties of nanoclay modified E-glass/epoxy composites

“…17 In studies in the literature, nanoclays are used in various weight percentages ranging from 1-10. 18,19 Various mixing methods, such as mechanical stirring, 20 ultrasonication, 20 high-shear mixing, 21 and ball milling, 21 1 are used to homogeneously disperse the nanoclays in the matrix. When nanoclays are added to the polymer, depending on the mixing technique, three structures can be obtained: phase-separated microcomposite, intercalated structure, and exfoliated structure.…”