Effect of nano-hybridization on flexural and impact behavior of jute/kenaf/glass fiber-epoxy composites for automotive application
Solairaju Jothi Arunachalam, Sathish Thanikodi, Rathinasamy Saravanan
Abstract
• Enhanced flexural strength of 5% MWCNT composites by 30%, from 105 to 136 MPa. • Flexural modulus improved by 22%, reaching 6.844 GPa with 5% MWCNT fillers. • Charpy impact strength rose 37%, from 123 to 169 J/m, with 5% MWCNT inclusion. • Uniform nanofiller dispersion increased adhesion and resistance to bending/impact. • Other nanofillers reduced strength due to weak fiber-nanofiller interfacial adhesion. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the flexural and impact properties of jute/kenaf/glass materials incorporated with silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), nanographene, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The motivation behind this work stemmed from the growing demand for environmentally friendly, lightweight, sturdy, and affordable materials in aircraft and automobile manufacturing. Every laminate was crafted using hand layup methods and incorporated equal amounts of SiO 2 , nanographene, and MWCNT nanoparticles, with the total nanoparticle weight amounting to 5%. The composites were constructed with a symmetric stacking sequence of GS/JT/JT/K/K/K/K/JT/JT/GS fibers. SiO 2 , nanographene, and MWCNT were uniformly dispersed throughout the epoxy matrix using a magnetic stirrer. The laminate comprising 5% MWCNT fillers showed a 30% increase in flexural strength, rising from 105 to 136 MPa, and a 22% increase in flexural modulus, from 5.585 to 6.844 GPa. Additionally, it exhibited a 37% improvement in the Charpy test, increasing from 123 to 169 J/m, associated with the plain laminate without nanofiller. The higher adhesion between epoxy, nanofiller, and fiber, leading to greater resistance to bending and impact, is attributed to the even distribution of nanoparticles, larger contact area for bonding, and the development of robust interfacial contacts and confinement of microcracks. However, a 5% addition of MWCNT fillers resulted in increased flexural strength and modulus. In contrast, other nanofillers reduced strength due to insufficient interfacial adhesion between the fibers and nanofillers. Contributions compile comprehensive information of bio-composite, economically viable and specialised for civil engineering structures and worldwide sustainability.