Investigation of mechanical properties of luffa fibre reinforced natural rubber composites: Implications of process parameters

Gurjar, Ashish Kumar; Kulkarni, Satyabodh M.; Joladarashi, Sharnappa; Doddamani, Saleemsab

doi:10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.02.133

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Then, the use of loofah as reinforcement in composites can be reduced. It may have the potential to reduce the amount of resin used and, consequently, lower the costs of these materials, in addition to making them more eco-friendly [11,13,45,46].…”

Section: Rockwell Hardnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Among the varieties of vegetal fibers that can be inserted into the polymeric composite, alternating the directions of the layers, is the Asian species Luffa cylindrica, popularly known as loofah. In Brazil, the loofah is widely cultivated in the North and Northeast regions, where it is used as bath sponges and to produce biodiesel, making of insulation boards, and wastewater treatment [1,7,[11][12][13]. The mature bushing presents a fibrous structure with excellent properties of resistance, stiffness, and energy absorption capacity, in addition to having a low cost, being light, abundant in nature, and having a morphology that favors good fiber-matrix adhesion [7,14,15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Does the Layer Configuration of Loofah (Luffa cylindrica) Affect the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Composites?

Paula,

Melo,

Albuquerque

et al. 2024

J. Compos. Sci.

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The arrangement of layers of natural long fibers that compose a polymeric composite can result in a final material with greater mechanical strength, in addition to replacing synthetic glass and carbon fibers. This study proposed different configurations of layers of loofah fibers (Luffa cylindrica) to produce reinforced polymeric–polyester composites, determining their potential mechanical properties such as flexural strength and Rockwell hardness. The layers were arranged by varying parallel and perpendicularly the direction of the loofah fibers pieces. The reinforcement decreased the density of all composites, with the lowest value, 1.03 g cm−3, indicated by the configuration 90°/0°/90°. The composites in the configuration 0°/90°/0° presented the highest value among the reinforced compositions (10.8 MPa), in addition to the highest rigidity value during bending tests (774.8 MPa). In the Rockwell hardness tests, the treatment reinforced with fibers in the configuration 90°/90°/90° had the highest value among all experimental treatments with a value of 86.9 HHR. The configuration angle of the loofah layers has a significant impact on the mechanical performance of the composites and should be taken into account in their confection. Furthermore, composites reinforced with loofah fibers in different configurations have physical–mechanical properties that qualify them for non-structural applications in indoor environments.

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Section: Rockwell Hardnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does the Layer Configuration of Loofah (Luffa cylindrica) Affect the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Composites?

Paula,

Melo,

Albuquerque

et al. 2024

J. Compos. Sci.

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Experimental and numerical investigation on the elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere‐reinforced epoxy hybrid composite

Gurjar,

Kulkarni,

Joladarashi

et al. 2024

Polymer Composites

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Estimating the elastic characteristics of natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites such as luffa fiber reinforced with epoxy is challenging. The structure of luffa cylindrica is complex, like a three‐dimensional natural fibrous mat, netting‐like structure. The multiscale modeling of such structures is the challenge to be addressed. The prime objective of this work is to determine the specific elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere‐reinforced epoxy (LCE) composite, considering the effect of filler volume fractions. Furthermore, multiscale modeling techniques, such as representative volume elements (RVEs) of finite element techniques with chopped, unidirectional, plain, and twill weaving fiber arrangements, were employed. The longitudinal modulus, transverse modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio were predicted through these modeling approaches. However, experimental and analytical methodologies, including the rule of mixture and Halpin–Tsai, were considered to validate the finite element analysis results. The elastic characteristics of LCE composite were therefore shown to be enhanced by increasing filler volume fraction. However, the cenosphere's 20% volume fraction has the highest elastic properties as determined by analytical, experimental, and computational models. Analytical and finite element simulation results were compared with the experimental results, and based on the findings, the most suitable (unidirectional, chopped, plain, and twill weaving) RVE was identified for finite element modeling of LCE composite for the evaluation of elastic properties. Results from practical approaches and the RVE twill weaving model showed good agreement, with less than 1% error, compared to the other analytical and finite element methods.Highlights NFCs are gaining ground in polymer composites. Overcoming challenges in modeling of luffa fiber inside epoxy matrix. The study uses multiscale modeling with diverse fiber arrangements. Experimental and analytical methods used to confirm FEA results. Increased cenosphere volume fraction boosts LCE composite properties.

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Enhancing energy absorption in rubber–sand (Ru–San) composite blocks against ballistic impact: a multi-objective optimisation approach

Doddamani,

Kulkarni,

Joladarashi

et al. 2024

Multiscale and Multidiscip. Model. Exp. and Des.

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Investigation of mechanical properties of luffa fibre reinforced natural rubber composites: Implications of process parameters

Cited by 6 publications

References 40 publications

Does the Layer Configuration of Loofah (Luffa cylindrica) Affect the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Composites?

Does the Layer Configuration of Loofah (Luffa cylindrica) Affect the Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Composites?

Experimental and numerical investigation on the elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere‐reinforced epoxy hybrid composite

Enhancing energy absorption in rubber–sand (Ru–San) composite blocks against ballistic impact: a multi-objective optimisation approach

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