Influence of Prosopis juliflora bark powder/fillers on the mechanical, thermal and damping properties of jute fabric hybrid composites

This work investigates the effects of laser processing parameters on basalt fiber‐reinforced composites for the optimization of surface processing without fiber damage. Various conditions of laser power, speed, and stand‐off distance were applied using a CO₂ laser. Consequently, a well‐processed morphology with full matrix removal and clear fiber exposure was achieved under optimized conditions of 32 W power, 200 mm/s speed, and 5 mm SOD. Those parameters resulted in a surface roughness Sa of 6.11 μm. Using the optimum parameters obtained from the experiments, the surface energy density was computed as 0.89 J/mm2, while ensuring adequate material removal without damage to the fiber. Lower power input of 20 W resulted in incomplete removal of the matrix; on the other extreme, unreasonably high powers resulted in fiber degradation. The experiments determined that optimum laser parameters indeed play a critical role in the processing of basalt fiber composites surfaces.Highlights Ideal laser settings: 32 W, 200 mm/s, 5 mm SOD. Full‐matrix removal and fiber exposition realized without any damage. The achieved surface roughness Sa is 6.11 μm for optimized laser parameters. Excessive laser power leads to a fiber damage.

Decomposition of matrix in basalt fiber‐reinforced composites using laser processing parameters for clear unveiling of fibers without damage

Ürgün,

Fidan,

Özsoy

et al. 2024

Performance analysis of 3D orthogonal polymeric composites reinforced with metallic and glass fibrous z‐binders of varying sizes

Ghandour,

Selmy,

Megahed

et al. 2024

Despite the wide use of three‐dimensional (3D) woven composites in different applications, their production is often costly. This study explores cost‐effective 3D orthogonal woven polymer composites to enhance mechanical performance. Four 3D composite variants, each incorporating different volumes of z‐binders (copper wires or glass fibers), were compared to a 2D woven composite. All composites were produced using a simple, economical hand lay‐up method. Wear resistance, in‐plane shear strength, and impact strength were assessed. Results indicated that all 3D composites surpassed the 2D composite in impact strength, especially those reinforced with glass fiber z‐binders. The single glass fiber z‐binder composite exhibited the highest impact strength increase (20.6%). Most 3D composites showed slightly reduced in‐plane shear strength compared to the 2D composite, with the smallest decrease (1.68%) observed in specimens with a small copper z‐binder. Notably, all 3D composites demonstrated superior wear resistance to 2D counterparts under various loads. Glass fiber z‐binder reinforcements outperformed copper z‐binders, with double fiber z‐binders yielding the maximum wear resistance enhancement. These findings underscore the potential of 3D woven composites for applications demanding high impact and wear resistance, such as automotive, structural components, and sports equipment.Highlights 3D woven composites are widely used in various engineering applications. Limited studies explore the in‐plane shear and wear behavior of 3D composites. Copper and glass fiber z‐binders were used in manufacturing 3D woven composites. The used hand lay‐up method reduces manufacturing costs. 3D woven composites improve impact and wear resistance compared to 2D ones.

Effect of graphene nanoparticles on electrical, mechanical and viscoelastic behavior of CFRP multifunctional multiscale composites

Gupta,

Kumar,

Bisaria

et al. 2024

The present work investigates effect of the incorporation of GNPs into epoxy matrix composites reinforced with CFs on their electrical, mechanical and viscoelastic properties. The GNP content in the composite were added as 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% by weight. The study presents detailed analysis of conductivity mechanism revealing an 8‐fold increase in surface electrical conductivity at 0.4 wt% GNP content, reaching 2.32 S/m. The mechanical properties showed significant enhancement with the incorporation of GNPs up to 0.3 wt%, reaching a maximum tensile strength of 1008 MPa and peak flexural strength of 952 MPa, and the highest impact strength of 13 J/cm2. However, a decline in mechanical performance was observed at 0.4 wt% GNP content, primarily due to fiber‐matrix debonding. The DMA analysis further revealed an increase in the storage modulus and loss modulus at 0.1 wt% GNP content, reaching 10,099 and 1570 MPa, respectively. However, at higher GNP content, adverse effects on the composite's behavior were observed, attributed to uneven distribution and interactions of the GNPs.Highlights Impact of GNPs on the electrical and viscoelastic properties of CFRP analyzed. GNPs enhance surface electrical conductivity of CFRP composites at 0.4 wt%. GNPs improve viscoelastic properties of CFRP composites at 0.1 wt%. Suitable mechanisms illustrated, correlated with results and discussed.