Mechanical, morphological and thermal analysis of unidirectional fabricated sisal/flax hybrid natural fiber composites

Abstract

In this work, we report the spectroscopic, thermal, and mechanical outcomes of epoxy reinforced sisal/flax (S/F) hybrid natural fiber composites. This work is intended to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of the sisal fibers in addition of the flax fibers. In recent years, natural fiber composites gained inclusive credit as a supernumerary to conventional synthetic composites for their superior ecological properties. Five different varieties of composite slabs i.e., 60% epoxy matrix and 40% of sisal/flax fibers were fabricated unidirectionally through a simple hand layout method by varying sisal and flax ratio as (40/0, 30/10, 20/20, 10/30, and 0/40) with a constant weight fraction as 0.4Wf. The X-ray Diffraction analysis was performed on the 50S/50F specimen and the crystallinity index is calculated as 42.84%. The spectroscopic and thermal studies were conducted on the 50S/50F sample and the chemical imprint of the composite is revealed by the strong peaks of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin along with amorphous and crystalline content of the FTIR data and is confirmed through the XRD data. The addition of flax fibers to sisal fibers showed a constructive improvement of thermal stability which is shown by the TG/DTA graph. In a three-stage degradation of sample, a maximum is observed at 334oC. The tensile, flexural, and impact tests of all the fabricated composite samples are performed and ultimate tensile strength of 165.2 N/mm2 for the 40S/0F composite with an elongation of 9.2% is noted. The ultimate flexural stress of 8.1 N/mm2 is observed in composite 10S/30F and composite 10S/30F has an excellent ability to absorb impact force of 1.2J energy. Based on the above results the manufactured composites exhibited higher thermal and mechanical properties showing a unique characteristic for different concentrations of flax fibers. Thus, the developed composites can be used individually for various applications based on the requirement of the end-user.

Effect of Functionalization of 2D Graphene Nanosheets on the Oxidation Stress the Cellular Response of BEAS-2B Cells

“…The technique involves irradiating a sample with X-rays and measuring the diffraction pattern produced as the X-rays interact with the sample's atomic structure. The diffraction pattern provides information about the spacing between atoms in the sample, which can be used to identify the crystal structure and phase of the material [14][15][16][17]. From Fig.…”

“…Lattice strain is typically quanti ed as a percentage change in the distance between crystal planes, relative to the original distance. This is calculated using the Bragg equation and the lattice parameter of the crystal [14]. Lattice strain can signi cantly affect a material's mechanical and physical characteristics, including its strength, conductivity, and optical qualities.…”

“…This indicates that the crystal planes are compressed and the graphene material is under signi cant mechanical stress. High lattice strain values in GONPs can indicate a high degree of mechanical stress, which can lead to defects, cracks, or other structural instabilities that can affect the material's performance and biocompatibility [14]. In addition, lattice strain can affect the electronic properties of graphene, such as its conductivity and bandgap, which can have implications for its use in biosensing or imaging applications.…”

“…FTIR analysis of GONPs typically focuses on the analysis of the functional groups present on the edges and defects of the graphene sheets. This provides information on the functional groups and chemical bonds present in the sample [14][15][16][17]. The FT-IR spectra of GONPs are acquired in the range between 400-4000 cm − 1 are as shown in Fig.…”

Mechanical and spectroscopic investigation of novel f-MWCNTS/g-C3N4/TiO2 ternary nanocomposite reinforced denture base PMMA

“…The performance and behavior of the denture base materials are understood from the mechanical testing which helps in choosing a better design and materials for the end use application [39]. Mechanical testing is the ultimate evaluation of the fabrication procedure, design strategy, success or failure of the reinforcement material, and final finishing procedure [56]. In dentistry, polymers find crucial applications in impressions, restorations, prostheses, tools, and equipments.…”