Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites and the Effect on Matrix Material

Abstract

The impact of matrix material on the mechanical properties of natural-fiber-reinforced hybrid composites was studied by comparing their experimental, and numerical analysis results. In the present work hemp and flax fibers were used as reinforcement and epoxy resin and ecopoxy resin along with hardener were used as matrix materials. To study the influence of the matrix material, two sets of hybrid composites were fabricated by varying the matrix material. The composite samples were fabricated by using the compression-molding technique followed by a hand layup process. A total of five different composites were fabricated by varying the weight fraction of fiber material in each set based on the rule of the hybridization process. After fabrication, the mechanical properties of the composite samples were tested and morphological studies were analyzed by using SEM-EDX analysis. The flexural-test fractured specimens were analyzed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, theoretical analysis of the elastic properties of hybrid composites was carried out by using the Halpin–Tsai approach. The results showed that the hybrid composites had superior properties to individual fiber composites. Overall, epoxy resin matrix composites exhibited superior properties to ecopoxy matrix composites.

A comparative study of analytical and numerical models of mechanical properties of composites and hybrid composites reinforced with natural reinforcements

“…They predict the effective elastic modulus (Ec) of a composite reinforced with random or aligned short fibers. 6,9,15,26,42,47 • PE/alfa composite:• PP/alfa-clay hybrid composite:…”

Recent progress in thermal and acoustic properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites: Preparation, characterization, and data analysis

“…39,40,110,186,187 Due to the scarcity of fossil energy and the negative environmental effects of applying petroleum-based matrices in composite materials, many investigations have been conducted in recent years in an effort to find an alternative. 26,188 Figure 2 represents the classification of polymer matrices used in natural fiber reinforced composites.…”

“…Generally, the fibers make up the majority of the strength carriers, whereas the matrix keeps them fixed in position and in the desired configuration, serves as a connector for the transmission of strength between them, and shields them from damage 39,40,110,186,187 . Due to the scarcity of fossil energy and the negative environmental effects of applying petroleum‐based matrices in composite materials, many investigations have been conducted in recent years in an effort to find an alternative 26,188 . Figure 2 represents the classification of polymer matrices used in natural fiber reinforced composites.…”

Development and characterization of microwave‐processed linear low‐density polyethylene based sisal/jute hybrid laminates

“…Maximum shear strength (interlaminar) and flexural strength values for epoxybased composites were 13 and 78 MPa, respectively, while the corresponding values for ecopoxy-based composites were 10 and 30 MPa, respectively. 26 Microwave-assisted processing of polymer composites is gaining popularity due to its various advantages such as high energy efficiency, reduced processing times, and enhanced production efficiency over traditional methods. Further, microwave-processed polymer composites demonstrated improved mechanical properties and reduced defects due to their unique heating methods.…”