Mechanical, water absorption and wear characteristics of novel polymeric composites: Impact of hybrid natural fibers and oil cake filler addition

Abstract

A novel epoxy-based composites were fabricated by reinforcing pineapple/flax (PF) fibers and peanut oil cake (PCF) filler using the hand layup cum compression moulding technique and investigated its mechanical, water absorption and wear properties as a function of wt.% of PF fibers (20–40 wt.%) and PCF (1–3 wt.%). The XRD and FTIR results proved the presence of lignocellulosic nature in PCF. Mechanical test results showed significant enhancement in the properties after the addition of PCF. The maximum tensile, flexural and impact properties of 37. 89 MPa, 70.28 MPa and 96.99 J/m were observed in the composites having 20 wt.% of PF and 2 wt.% of PCF. Taguchi based optimization observed a lower specific wear rate (SWR) with 2 wt.% PCF/20 wt.% PF/5 N load and 1500 m sliding distance (SD) combination. The ANOVA results proved the significance of PCF, PF fiber, sliding distance, and load for SWR in this experimentation. The Taguchi optimized results observed a lower coefficient of friction (COF) in 2 wt.% PCF/20 wt.% PF/5N load/500 m SD combination. SEM results displayed surface deformations in the wear-tested composites.

Hemp fiber surface modification: Its effect on mechanical and tribological properties of hemp fiber reinforced epoxy composites

“…Several researchers have also reported similar observations in their research articles. [73][74][75] This can be due to the thermal softening of the epoxy matrix as a result of excessive heat generation at the interface of the composite and counter surface, which may have contributed to the excessive material loss. [76] Also at a higher load, there is a greater chance of detachment of the lubricant film, which is also responsible for excessive…”

Improvement on mechanical and flame retardancy behaviour of bio-exfoliated graphene-filled epoxy/glass fibre composites using compression moulding approach

“…This fact assists in more consideration on development of light weight material with better performance. Among polymerbased materials, fibre reinforced polymer composite material particularly attains more attention owing to its low density, high specific strength with better stiffness comparable to conventionally used steel [1,2]. Due to this, facts, fibre-based polymer composite, are consider as advanced engineering materials, has wider range of applications that includes automobile, defence, aerospace, etc.…”

Investigation on the mechanical properties of ramie/kenaf fibers under various parameters using GRA and TOPSIS methods

“…The developed composites were characterized for various mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact as per ASTM D638-17, ASTM D790-17, and ASTM D256-10. [3] A universal testing machine (UTM) of capacity 400 kN was used to examine tensile properties at a 5 mm/min crosshead speed. The dog boneshaped sample of dimensions 165 mm  19 mm, and the mid-span length was 57 mm were cut from the developed composites and fixed between the grippers.…”

“…Natural fiber utilization is the best solution to overcome this situation. [1][2][3][4] Natural fibers such as areca, sisal, kenaf, bagasse, ramie, banana, and so on are the replacements used for various applications. These fibers are chosen based on their availability, properties, and geographical impact.…”