Optimisation of Mechanical Properties in Saw-Dust/Woven-Jute Fibre/Polyester Structural Composites under Liquid Nitrogen Environment Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Natural fibre-based composites are replacing traditional materials in a wide range of structural applications that are used in different environments. Natural fibres suffer from thermal shocks, which affects the use of these composites in cold environment. Considering these, a goal was set in the present research to investigate the impact of cryogenic conditions on natural fibre composites. Composites were developed using polyester as matrix and jute-fibre and waste Teak saw-dust as reinforcement and filler, respectively. The effects of six parameters, viz., density of saw-dust, weight ratio of saw-dust, grade of woven-jute, number of jute layers, duration of cryogenic treatment of composite and duration of alkaline treatment of fibres on the mechanical properties of the composite was evaluated with an objective to maximise hardness, tensile, impact and flexural strengths. Taguchi method was used to design the experiments and response-surface methodology was used to model, predict and plot interactive surface plots. Results indicated that the duration of cryogenic treatment had a significant effect on mechanical properties, which was better only up to 60 min. The models were found to be statistically significant. The study concluded that saw-dust of density 300 kg/m3 used as a filler with a weight ratio of 13 wt.% and a reinforcement of a single layer of woven-jute-fibre mat of grade 250 gsm subjected to alkaline treatment for 4 h in a composite that has undergone 45 min of cryogenic treatment presented an improvement of 64% in impact strength, ca. 21% in flexural strength, ca. 158% in tensile strength and ca. 28% in hardness.

Examine the Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Tetrahydride/Calotropis gigantea Based Hybrid Polyester Composites in Cryogenic Atmosphere

“…The fabric with NaOH treatment improves the fibre surface contact. As a consequence, so much energy must be expended to rupture the bonds between the interrelated packages of fibres within the blends [11,12]. The fabric made famous by solitary CGF fibres could withstand a light load.…”

“…At cold temperatures, internal forces are formed due to matrix changes and fibre contraction. The interaction pressures referenced above aid in keeping the fabric as multiverse in interaction and improve bonding, resulting in more efficient effects [8,11,12].…”

Effect of stacking sequence and silicon carbide nanoparticles on properties of carbon/glass/Kevlar fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites

“…Synthetic fibers are known for its lightweight and considerable stiffness. [1][2][3] Future trends are focusing on hybrid composite materials with nanoparticles as filler material that can replace traditional materials used in industries. [4] A detailed study on relevant literature reveals the proper material selection and research gap to develop hybrid polymer composites with synthetic fibers as reinforcement with suitable filler material that can enhance the mechanical properties.…”

"Comparative Study of Drying Characteristics of Amla Fruit Using Open Sun Drying and Solar Drying Method"

“…Dryers of several kinds have been reported by author [9]. According to the author, dryers using heat storing materials can keep their interior air at a constant temperature.…”