scholarly journals Hybrid Cellulose-Glass Fiber Composites for Automotive Applications

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 3189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annandarajah ◽  
Langhorst ◽  
Kiziltas ◽  
Grewell ◽  
Mielewski ◽  
...  

: In the recent years, automakers have been striving to improve the carbon footprint of their vehicles. Sustainable composites, consisting of natural fibers, and/or recycled polymers have been developed as a way to increase the “green content” and reduce the weight of a vehicle. In addition, recent studies have found that the introduction of synthetic fibers to a traditional fiber composite such as glass filled plastics, producing a composite with multiple fillers (hybrid fibers), can result in superior mechanical properties. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of hybrid fibers on characterization and material properties of polyamide-6 (PA6)/polypropylene (PP) blends. Cellulose and glass fibers were used as fillers and the mechanical, water absorption, and morphological properties of composites were evaluated. The addition of hybrid fibers increased the stiffness (tensile and flexural modulus) of the composites. Glass fibers reduced composite water absorption while the addition of cellulose fibers resulted in higher composite stiffness. The mechanical properties of glass and cellulose filled PA6/PP composites were optimized at loading levels of 15 wt% glass and 10 wt% cellulose, respectively.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 6972-6977

The use of natural fiber composite has been widely promoted in many industries such as construction, automotive and even aerospace. Natural fibers can be extracted from plants that are abundantly available in the form of waste such as sunflower seed shells (SSS) and groundnut shells (GNS). These fibers were chosen as the reinforcement in epoxy to form composites. The performance of composites was evaluated following the ASTM D3039 and ASTM D790 for tensile and flexural tests respectively. Eight types of composites were prepared using SSS and GNS fibers as reinforcement and epoxy as the matrix with the fiber content of 20wt %. The fibers were untreated and treated with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) at various concentrations (6%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) and soaking time (24, 48 and 72 hours). The treatment has successfully enhanced the mechanical properties of both composites, namely SSS/epoxy and GNS/epoxy composites. The SSS/epoxy composite has the best mechanical properties when the fibers were treated for 48 hours using 6% of NaOH that produced 22 MPa and 13 MPa of tensile and flexural strength respectively. Meanwhile, the treatment on groundnut shells with 10% sodium Hydroxide for 24 hours has increased the Flexural strength tremendously (53%), however no significant effect on the tensile strength. The same trend was also observed on the tensile and flexural modulus. The increase of 41% in flexural modulus after treatment with 10% NaOH for 24 hours was also the evidence of mechanical properties enhancement. The evidence of improved fiber and matrix bonding after fiber treatment was also observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SSS/epoxy composites performed better in tensile application, meanwhile the GNS/epoxy composites are good in flexural application.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 793-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Dalour Hossen Beg ◽  
Shaharuddin Bin Kormin ◽  
Mohd Bijarimi ◽  
Haydar U. Zaman

Abstract The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of different thermoplastic starches and starch contents on the physico-mechanical and morphological properties of new polymeric-based composites from low density polyethylene (LDPE) and thermoplastic starches. Different compositions of thermoplastic starches (5–40 wt%) and LDPE were melt blended by extrusion and injection molding. The resultant materials were characterized with respect to the following parameters, i.e., melt flow index (MFI), mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, stiffness and impact strength) and water absorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used in this study for evaluating blend miscibility. MFI values of all blends decreased as the starch content increased, while the sago starch formulation showed a higher MFI value than others. The incorporation of fillers into LDPE matrix resulted in an increased in tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and slightly decreased tensile strength and impact strength. However, sago starch filled composites exhibited better mechanical properties as compared to other starches. The SEM results revealed that the miscibility of such blends is dependent on the type of starch used. The water absorption increased with immersion time and the thermoplastic sago starch samples showed the lowest percentage of water absorption compared with other thermoplastic starches.


Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Ji ◽  
Sung Yoo ◽  
Jonghoon Kim ◽  
Dan Koo

Most urban areas in the world have water infrastructure systems, including the buried sewer and water pipelines, which are assessed as in need of extensive rehabilitation. Deterioration by many other factors affects structural integrity. Trenchless technologies such as Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) are now applied in numerous projects while minimizing disturbance in an urban environment. The main purpose of this study is to develop a high strength CIPP material using various composite materials (e.g., glass fiber, carbon fiber, polyester felt, unsaturated polyester resin, and others). Composite samples were made of the materials and tested using three-point bend apparatus to find mechanical properties, which include the flexural modulus, strength, and deflection. A composite combination with glass fibers with thin felt layers shows the best results in mechanical properties. Flexural modulus is a key factor for CIPP liner thickness design. Glass fiber composite yields between four and nine times higher values than the minimum value specified in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1216. This study provides a fundamental baseline for high strength CIPP liners that are capable of using conventional curing technologies.


Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Alonso-Montemayor ◽  
Quim Tarrés ◽  
Helena Oliver-Ortega ◽  
F. Xavier Espinach ◽  
Rosa Idalia Narro-Céspedes ◽  
...  

Automotive and industrial design companies have profusely used commodity materials like glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene. These materials show advantageous ratios between cost and mechanical properties, but poor environmental yields. Natural fibers have been tested as replacements of glass fibers, obtaining noticeable tensile strengths, but being unable to reach the strength of glass fiber-reinforced composites. In this paper, polyamide 6 is proposed as a matrix for cellulosic fiber-based composites. A variety of fibers were tensile tested, in order to evaluate the creation of a strong interphase. The results show that, with a bleached hardwood fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 composite, it is possible to obtain tensile strengths higher than glass-fiber-reinforced polyolefin. The obtained composites show the existence of a strong interphase, allowing us to take advantage of the strengthening capabilities of such cellulosic reinforcements. These materials show advantageous mechanical properties, while being recyclable and partially renewable.


2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 291-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhailah Mohd Sukri ◽  
Nor Liyana Suradi ◽  
Agus Arsad ◽  
Abdul Razak Rahmat ◽  
Azman Hassan

Abstract The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of kenaf contents on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of recycled polyamide-6 (rPA-6)/recycled polypropylene (rPP) blends. Kenaf was used to enhance the properties of composites. Alkali treating of kenaf by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and combination with propylene grafted maleic anhydride (PPgMA) as a compatibilizer produced good adhesion both between rPP and rPA-6, and rPA-6/rPP and kenaf. Tensile, flexural and Izod impact tests were evaluated to study the mechanical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests were carried out to investigate thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed for morphological analysis. Generally, the mechanical properties were successfully enhanced, especially Young’s modulus, flexural modulus, flexural strength and elongation at break, while there were some problems which caused the tensile strength and impact strength to be inferior. Thermal analysis showed that the crystallization of composites decreased as kenaf contents were increased. SEM showed a problem with kenaf and rPP/rPA-6 compatibility, which led to insufficient matrix at some places and agglomeration of kenaf at other places. Morphologically, there was unidirectional presence of kenaf in rPP main composites and random orientation in rPA-6 main composites.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5317
Author(s):  
Rafał Malinowski ◽  
Aneta Raszkowska-Kaczor ◽  
Krzysztof Moraczewski ◽  
Wojciech Głuszewski ◽  
Volodymyr Krasinskyi ◽  
...  

The need for the development of new biodegradable materials and modification of the properties the current ones possess has essentially increased in recent years. The aim of this study was the comparison of changes occurring in poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) due to its modification by high-energy electron beam derived from a linear electron accelerator, as well as the addition of natural fibers in the form of cut hemp fibers. Changes to the fibers structure in the obtained composites and the geometrical surface structure of sample fractures with the use of scanning electron microscopy were investigated. Moreover, the mechanical properties were examined, including tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural modulus and impact strength of the modified PCL. It was found that PCL, modified with hemp fibers and/or electron radiation, exhibited enhanced flexural modulus but the elongation at break and impact strength decreased. Depending on the electron radiation dose and the hemp fibers content, tensile strength decreased or increased. It was also found that hemp fibers caused greater changes to the mechanical properties of PCL than electron radiation. The prepared composites exhibited uniform distribution of the dispersed phase in the polymer matrix and adequate adhesion at the interface between the two components.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 773
Author(s):  
Ahmad Safwan Ismail ◽  
Mohammad Jawaid ◽  
Norul Hisham Hamid ◽  
Ridwan Yahaya ◽  
Azman Hassan

Polymer blends is a well-established and suitable method to produced new polymeric materials as compared to synthesis of a new polymer. The combination of two different types of polymers will produce a new and unique material, which has the attribute of both polymers. The aim of this work is to analyze mechanical and morphological properties of bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends to find the best formulation for future study. Bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends were fabricated using the hand lay-up method at different loading of bio-phenolic (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, and 25 wt%) in the epoxy matrix whereas neat bio-phenolic and epoxy samples were also fabricated for comparison. Results indicated that mechanical properties were improved for bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends compared to neat epoxy and phenolic. In addition, there is no sign of phase separation in polymer blends. The highest tensile, flexural, and impact strength was shown by P-20(biophenolic-20 wt% and Epoxy-80 wt%) whereas P-25 (biophenolic-25 wt% and Epoxy-75 wt%) has the highest tensile and flexural modulus. Based on the finding, it is concluded that P-20 shows better overall mechanical properties among the polymer blends. Based on this finding, the bio-phenolic/epoxy blend with 20 wt% will be used for further study on flax-reinforced bio-phenolic/epoxy polymer blends.


2012 ◽  
Vol 455-456 ◽  
pp. 650-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
He Yi Ge ◽  
Jian Ye Liu ◽  
Xian Qin Hou ◽  
Dong Zhi Wang

The physical and mechanical properties of nanometer ZrO2-ZrO2fiber composite ceramics were studied by introduction of ZrO2fiber. ZrO2composite ceramics at different sintering temperature was investigated by porosity and water absorption measurements, flexual strength and thermal shock resistance analysis. Results showed that ZrO2composite ceramics containing 15 wt% ZrO2fiber with sintering temperature of 1650°C exhibited good mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance. The porosity and the water absorption were 8.84% and 1.62%, respectively. The flexual strength was 975 MPa and the thermal shock times reached 31 times. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the microstructure of ZrO2composite ceramics.


2020 ◽  
pp. 152808372093419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilal Olcay ◽  
Emine Dilara Kocak

Recently, due to environmental concerns and dependence on depleted resources, the use of renewable resources has become important in the preparation of various industrial materials. The use of natural fibers instead of petroleum-based synthetic fibers traditionally used in the production of composite materials provides many advantages in terms of both environmental and cost. The utilization of agricultural wastes as natural fibers also contributes significantly to the reduction and reuse of wastes, which is one of the objectives of sustainable development. In this study, artichoke stem waste fibers reinforced polyurethane foam composites were obtained. The fibers were treated with alkaline surface treatment at different concentrations (5% and 10%) of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and durations (5, 10 and 15 min). The optimal alkali method was determined and applied to the fibers and its effect on composites was also investigated. Treated and untreated fibers were combined with polyurethane (PU) matrix at different reinforcement ratios (5, 10, 15 and 20%) to produce bio-fiber based composites. Depending on these reinforcement rates and alkali treatment, the mechanical properties of composites such as strength, elongation and modulus were investigated. The composites, which have the best mechanical properties, were selected and these composites were evaluated in terms of thermal and sound insulation with considering their morphological properties. It has been determined that artichoke stem waste fibers can provide good mechanical, thermal and sound insulation properties in the composites, and thus it has been found that great advantages can be achieved in terms of cost and ecology.


Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xiaomin Guo ◽  
Defang Zhao ◽  
Liu Liu ◽  
Ruiyun Zhang ◽  
...  

Environmentally sound composites reinforced with natural fibers or particles interest many researchers and engineers due to their great potential to substitute the traditional composites reinforced with glass fibers. However, the sensitivity of natural fiber-reinforced composites to water has limited their applications. In this paper, wood powder-reinforced polypropylene composites (WPCs) with various wood content were prepared and subjected to water absorption tests to study the water absorption procedure and the effect of water absorbed in the specimens on the mechanical properties. Water soaking tests were carried out by immersion of composite specimens in a container of distilled water maintained at three different temperatures, 23, 60 and 80 °C. The results showed that the moisture absorption content was related to wood powder percentage and they had a positive relationship. The transfer process of water molecules in the sample was found to follow the Fickian model and the diffusion constant increased with elevated water temperature. In addition, tensile and bending tests of both dry and wet composite samples were conducted and the results indicated that water absorbed in composite specimens degraded their mechanical properties. The tensile strength and modulus of the composites reinforced with 15, 30, 45 wt % wood powder decreased by 5.79%, 17.2%, 32.06% and 25.31%, 33.6%, 47.3% respectively, compared with their corresponding dry specimens. The flexural strength and modulus of the composite samples exhibited a similar result. Furthermore, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) also confirmed that the detrimental effect of water molecules on the composite specimens.


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