Influence of Nanoclay Filler Material on the Tensile, Flexural, Impact, and Morphological Characteristics of Jute/E‐Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Polyester‐Based Hybrid Composites: Experimental, Modeling, and Optimization Study

Abstract

The use of natural fibers as reinforcement in polymer composite materials is increasing owing to the ecocompatibility. The fabrication of natural fiber-based composite is now an emerging field of study, and it is the most desired choice not only because of its superior qualities such as light weight, stiffness, and low density but also because of being economical and renewable. However, the mechanical characteristics of these composites are a major concern and thus require some additives in the form of nanoclay, which can readily act as a filler material, thereby enhancing the tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of the natural fiber composites. In this regard, a hybrid polymer composite with jute and E-glass fiber as reinforcements, along with Cloisite 20 nanoclay filler material, is fabricated by a hand layup process in a steel mold box and cut to the ASTM standards. The composition of the reinforcements is fixed based on the initial experimental studies and review of the literature findings. The wt.% of jute is fixed in the range of 10 wt.% to 20 wt.% with 5 wt.% interval for each composition, while the wt.% of E-glass fiber varied from 10 wt.% to 30 wt.% with 10 wt.% interval and that of the Cloisite 20 nanoclay filler varied from 2 wt.% to 6 wt.%. The fabricated composite specimens with varying wt.% of reinforcements and nanofiller material are subjected to standard tests for evaluating their mechanical characteristics viz., the tensile, flexural, and impact strength and the morphological characteristics. The results of the experiments have revealed that combining natural and synthetic fibers in a composite increases the impact, tensile, and flexural strength of the material. That is, the composite specimens fabricated with 20 wt.% of jute fiber and 20 wt.% of E-glass fiber and 2 wt.% of Cloisite 20 nanoclay have the maximum tensile strength of 69.7 MPa, tensile modulus of 3816.43 MPa, and impact strength of 178.62 J/m2 and flexural modulus of 275.15 MPa among all the specimens, while the composite specimen fabricated with 20 wt.% of jute fiber and 30 wt.% of E-glass fiber and 4 wt.% of the filler material possesses the maximum flexural strength of 90.22 MPa. This is also ascertained from Taguchi’s optimization studies and statistical model (regression equations) developed.

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

“…[24][25][26][27] Two prevalent methods consist of fortifying the composites with organic or inorganic llers to augment the durability of the matrix material, and hybridizing the composites with various types of bre or ller to achieve a wide range of composite qualities. [28][29][30][31] Hybridization involves combining with other natural or synthetic llers to obtain a combination of their respective properties in the resulting composites, broadening their range of application. Various methods, such as layer-by-layer stacking, arranging different bres in a single layer, varying the bre orientation, and selective bre placement, are employed for hybridization.…”

Mechanical and Water Absorption Characterization of Mango Seed Shell/Epoxy Composite for Low Load Carrying Structures

“…The sustainability and strength characteristics of the composites are enhanced by the inclusion of fillers in the matrix and are ascertained from the findings of the several other researchers [17][18][19][20][21]. The strength and toughness of the polymer composites are enhanced by strong bonding between the matrix and the reinforcements, and also the molecular adhesion between the resin and fibers is enhanced by the filler materials that inoculate and create a stronger bond, thereby inhibiting the water uptake by the composites [22][23][24][25][26][27][28].…”

Investigation of mechanical properties of nanoclay modified E-glass/epoxy composites

“…15,16 In addition, the low cost and abundant availability of nanoclays have expanded their use. 17 In studies in the literature, nanoclays are used in various weight percentages ranging from 1-10. 18,19 Various mixing methods, such as mechanical stirring, 20 ultrasonication, 20 high-shear mixing, 21 and ball milling, 21 1 are used to homogeneously disperse the nanoclays in the matrix.…”

“…15,16 In addition, the low cost and abundant availability of nanoclays have expanded their use. 17 In studies in the literature, nanoclays are used in various weight percentages ranging from 1–10. 18,19…”