Processing and physico‐mechanical characterization of sponge iron slag filled ramie fiber reinforced epoxy‐based composites

Abstract

The present research focuses on developing a new class of hybrid composites with woven ramie fiber mats reinforced in epoxy resin filled with different proportions of sponge iron (SI) slag. These multi-layered composites are fabricated using conventional hand layup method. The cured composite samples are subjected to various physical, mechanical and micro-structural characterization tests. Properties such as composite density, void content, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact and inter-laminar shear strength, micro-hardness, and so forth, are evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. The compositional/micro-structural features are identified with the help of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), stereomicroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and so forth. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the shape, size and distribution pattern of the filler particles in the composites. The FTIR study is done to identify the functional groups present in the filler, fiber and in the resulting composite to get an insight to the chemistry of composite formation. Similarly, X-Ray diffraction curve reveals the presence of hard phases such as silica, magnesioferrite, graphite, hematite, and so forth. This work suggests that successful fabrication of natural fiber composites is possible with additional reinforcement of an industrial waste like sponge iron slag and that most of the mechanical properties improve with increase in the content of SI slag in the composite.characterization, hybrid composite, ramie fiber, sponge iron slag | INTRODUCTIONPolymer composites are finding wider applications in various industrial, structural, and bio-medical fields in comparison to monolithic alloys as they are cheaper, have improved strength and wear resistance. In such composites, usually synthetic fibers are used as the reinforcing materials for their high tensile strength, stiffness and lightweight. But in recent years, natural fibers are fast emerging as replacement of synthetics and have drawn the attention of researchers worldwide due to several advantages like low cost, easy availability, biodegradability, fairly good strength, and low impact on the environment. Natural fibers have the ability to replace synthetic

Development and characterization of titanium oxide filled ramie fiber based hybrid composites

“…This increment is attributed to increased modulus of titanium oxide as compared to epoxy and ramie fiber. Moreover, the deformation of the composite along with the strain rate will decrease with the incorporation of fine and micro‐sized titania fillers resulting in improved tensile modulus of the composites 44,45 . The tensile failure analysis of the composites is done and is shown in Figure 8B.…”

Structural health monitoring of natural fiber‐based hybrid composites

“…Mahapatra and Satapathy 11 focused on a new class of hybrid composites with woven ramie fiber mats reinforced with epoxy resin and filled with sponge iron slag. Their results show how natural fiber composites with additional reinforcement can be made from industrial waste.…”

Synthesis and modification of poly (p‐phenylene terephthalamide) for production of light‐weight hybrid composite armors reinforced with polymer composite nanofiber mats

“…In order to meet the rising standards in many military applications and the increasing demand for weight saving and fuel efficiency, studies on the light-weight armor design have focused on the design of high-performance fiber-reinforced composite armors. 4,6,7 Among the high-performance polymer fibers, aramid fibers such as PPTA and their composites can meet these demands successfully as a consequence of their low density and excellent performance in terms of tensile strength, toughness, roughness, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. [8][9][10][11] The tensile strength of PPTA fiber is over five times that of steel wire on an equal weight basis and maintains its mechanical properties at very high temperatures as an excellent heat and flame resistant.…”

“…This factor calls for further research into the design of laminated composite ballistic protective apparel through hybridization in order to achieve a set of mechanical and physical properties, required for the primary tasks of ballistic protection such as adequate absorption and distribution of ballistic impact. 7,28 Hybridization is the method of combining two or more types of materials between the alternating layers or at the yarn level (interyarn/intrayarn) of the fiber-based multilayered composite structures and serves well for multifunctionality. Hybrid materials can be used to provide desirable mechanical properties such as enhanced strength and stiffness to the final product for a specific application, as well as to reduce cost through the use of more economical fibers.…”

“…The internal configuration can be designed according to the characteristics, compatibility, and interface properties of the components and govern the structural properties of the final product, including impact resistance, energy dissipation and absorption capacity, failure mechanisms, fracture toughness, rigidity, and dimensional stability. 7,20 Fiber-based (textile) armor panels, constructed by multi-ply high-performance ballistic fabrics with an external carrier made of a conventional fabric, are widely used as soft body armor systems. These laminated textile structures are intended for daily use in order to protect police officers from bullets of short-barrel guns or stab threats and to provide protection for military personnel against the fragmentation threat of artillery ammunition and mines, which are the most common cause of injury on the modern battlefield.…”