Abrasive Wear Behavior of CNT-Filled Unidirectional Kenaf–Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus) fibers have received significant attention for replacing the usage of synthetic fibers, especially glass fiber, in the fabrication of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The aim of this research was to study the change in wear behavior of kenaf-epoxy fiber composites by filling them with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). In particular, the effect of untreated MWCNT (PMWCNT), acid-treated MWCNT (AMWCNT), and silane-treated MWCNT (SMWCNT) was studied, using three different MWCNT loadings, i.e., 0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt.%. The abrasive wear test was conducted to measure the wear properties of the composites. A thermal infrared camera was also used to measure the punctual contact temperature during the abrasive wear test, while the abraded surfaces were analyzed using the stereomicroscope. Starting from the considerable reduction of wear rate with the introduction of kenaf fibers, it was observed that PMWCNT provided some further, yet modest, reduction of wear rate only at the higher loadings. In contrast, the inclusion of AMWCNT proved to increase the specific wear rate of the epoxy-kenaf composites, an effect worsened at higher loadings. This may be due to the weakened interfacial bonding between the AMWCNT and epoxy. On the other hand, the presence of SMWCNT improved the interfacial bonding between CNT and epoxy, as shown by an increase in contact temperature. However, the increase in bonding strength was stipulated to have caused the rougher worn debris, thus inducing a three-body abrasive wear effect.

Experimental investigation on mechanical and wear properties of GNP/Carbon fiber/epoxy hybrid composites

“…This combination and stacking sequence of fiber orientation have never been used before for comparing mechanical and wear characteristics. Currently, there is limited work on the phenomena of abrasive wear in multi-pass settings [19,[33][34][35][36]. The present findings could lead to a rise in the use of GNP/Carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites.…”

Influence of fly ash filler on the mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of epoxy polymer composites reinforced with pineapple leaf fibre for biomedical applications

“…Many countries have already started utilizing natural ller-based composites in various applications, such as rail and decking products, car components, architectural moldings, and more. [52][53][54] Inorganic llers include various materials like zinc oxide, alumina, calcium carbonate, and silica, while organic llers consist of particulates derived from plants and animals. The quantity of ller added to the polymer matrix depends on the type of ller and matrix used, usually varying between 4% and 5% by weight.…”

Wear Properties and Post-Moisture Absorption Mechanical Behavior of Kenaf/Banana-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

“…As far as wear resistance is concerned, early studies indicated that kenaf considerably improved the wear and frictional performance of epoxy resins [12], and worked even better on thermoplastic polyesters [13]. More recently, the possibility of further improvement in wear resistance with the addition of carbon nanotubes in kenaf-epoxy composites was also investigated [14]. Additionally, complex hybrids were fabricated, such as kenaf-jute-aloe vera, with some benefit to wear properties [15].…”