Influence of designated properties on the characteristics of dombeya buettneri fiber/graphite hybrid reinforced polypropylene composites

Abstract

This research presents the behavior of dombeya buettneri fiber/graphite hybrid composites which was studied to harness a favorable balance between the inherent advantages and disadvantages of natural and synthetic reinforcements. The fibers after extraction were chemically treated for surface modification. The composite was developed using compression molding process by randomly dispersing the reinforcements in the polypropylene matrix in predetermined proportions. The developed samples were tested to ascertain the response of the materials to the selected properties. Experimental results showed that hybrid composite sample C which is a blend of 12 wt% dombeya buettneri fiber (DBF) and 8 wt% graphite particle (GP) gave enhanced results in many of the properties which includes; hardness, impact, thermal insulation and abrasion resistance properties. Also, the hybrid composites sample denoted as sample E which is the blend of 6 wt% DBF and 14 wt% GP produce higher enhancement in the flexural properties and Young’s Modulus of Elasticity than other samples. Composite sample reinforced with dombeya buettneri fiber as single reinforced composites performed more in ultimate tensile strength compared to other samples while graphite particle reinforced sample emerges as the best in thermal conductivity. Diffusion of water into the composites also obeys Fick’s law where sample C was seen to be the best among the composites. It was therefore, discovered that the synergy between the two reinforcements has encouraged the improvement of polypropylene (PP) properties in a unique mode.

Effect of Surface Modification on the Properties of Polypropylene Matrix Reinforced with Coir Fibre and Yam Peel Particulate

“…Yam peel obtained from local food canteen was washed with clean water and divided into two groups; group one was left untreated while group two was treated using 1 M solution which contains the mixture of NaOH and HCl in the proportion of 30% and 70%, respectively. Yam peel was immersed in a beaker containing the mixed solution and placed in a shaker water bath operated at 50°C for 3 hours [ 12 ]. Sequel to this is the washing using distilled water to make sure of the total removal of both NaOH and HCl residues.…”

“…These new materials are developed in order to derive a certain desired property while also improving the overall properties of the hybrid composite. The idea was aimed at inducing a certain property as well as service performance by the use of another additive to overcome the deficiency of single filler [ 12 ]. Some researchers have focused on studying the influence of natural fibre along with additional filler which can be either synthetic or natural.…”

Acetylation Treatment for the Batch Processing of Natural Fibers: Effects on Constituents, Tensile Properties and Surface Morphology of Selected Plant Stem Fibers

“…It was revealed that banana fiber had the least density of about 1.38 g/cm 3 while Dombeya fiber possessed the highest density value of 1.5 g/cm 3 . The physical and chemical identities of the fiber and matrix materials are retained in many composite materials development processes, making the composite formed possess a blend of properties not attainable by each constituent [41]. Plant fibers are sustainable and biodegradable materials, making their products desirable and thus preferable in many areas of applications.…”

Effect of bone ash fillers on mechanical and thermal properties of biobased epoxy nanocomposites

“…Similar findings have been reported by other researchers with bone ash based nanoparticles. 32,37,47 3.3 | Thermal properties of the nanocomposites…”

“…45,46 Especially, the inhomogenous dispersion of the nanofillers may reduce the strength of the epoxy nanocomposites. [46][47][48] In order to overcome these challenges, various mixing methods, such as high speed mechanical stirring, magnetic stirring, shear mixing, and ultrasonic horn mixing (ultrasonication), are employed and these methods proved to be effective in obtaining homogenous dispersion. 49,50 Although epoxy-based nanocomposites are widely studied systems, the studies on biobased epoxy nanocomposites with sustainable natural fillers are relatively underexplored.…”