Effectiveness of Nanosilica on Enhancing the Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of Kenaf/Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Nanocomposites

With an ultrasonic frequency of 15 kHz and an 850 W power capacity, the effects of nanosilica particle inclusion on the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of woven fiber-reinforced kenaf/carbon fiber/epoxy hybrid composites were explored experimentally. The nanoparticles were dispersed uniformly in the epoxy using an ultrasonic probe. Test samples were made according to ASTM requirements for three distinct weight compositions of nanosilica particles (1, 1.5, and 2 wt%). The composites were made utilizing the compression moulding process with the following parameters: (i) weight ratio of nanosilica, (ii) length of kenaf fibers, and (iii) number of carbon fiber layers to achieve the objectives above. According to unmodified samples, with a nanosilica concentration of 1.5 wt%, tensile strength improved by 31%, flexural strength increased by 42.36%, and impact strength increased by 22.65%. It was established that the interaction of micro silica particles with epoxy and fiber, which improved interfacial tension, had a substantial impact on mechanical and water retention capabilities. The 1.5 wt% nanosilica inclusion absorbs less moisture than the 1 and 2 wt% silica composites. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine the fractured surface of the tested nanocomposites

Multiresponse Optimization of Mechanical Behaviour of Calotropis gigantea/Nano-Silicon-Based Hybrid Nanocomposites under Cryogenic Environment

The utilization of natural fibre-based biodegradable polymers has expanded in the present circumstances since natural fibres are relatively inexpensive, recyclable, lighter, nonflammable, and harmless. However, hydrophilic nature is the most serious issue. To address this issue, the current study was applied to enhance the material characteristics of hybrid composites strengthened by CGF and nanosilica powder. To accomplish the mentioned goal, RSM calculated and optimized the following processing parameters using the BBD arrangement at various CGF fibre thickness (gsm), weight percent of nanosilica powder (wt. percent), and cryogenic treatment period (min). To prevent hydrophilic nature, the fibres were pretreated for four hours with a 5% alkaline solution. Deterioration models were created to analyze the material characteristics, and the optimal progression variables were determined. Based on the multiresponse surface methodology, the governable process variables for nano-silica- and CGF-based hybrid nanocomposites should be set at 3% silica, 300 gsm of CGF, and 30 minutes of cryogenic treatment. The tension, bending, and impact property correlation coefficient values (R2) are 0.95, 0.94, and 0.95, respectively. The above-mentioned combinations provide better water absorption and mechanical strength

Statistical Analysis on Interlaminar Shear Strength of Nanosilica Addition with Woven Dharbai/Epoxy Hybrid Nanocomposites under Cryogenic Environment by Taguchi Technique

Biocomposites are becoming more popular due to their capacity to replace artificial materials at a lower cost while enhancing environmental responsibility. In contrast, biocomposites have poor mechanical and interface properties. This research is aimed at determining the interlaminar shear strength of composite materials reinforced with Dharbai fibre and nanosilicon powder. The composites were made using a hand lay-up method with the following conditions: (i) weight % of nanosilica filler, (ii) thickness of fibre mat, and (iii) cryogenic treatment period, each at three different levels, to meet the goals mentioned above. The composites were laminated using a traditional hand lay-up method, and their interlaminar shear strength was determined using the ASTM standard. According to a recent study, nanocomposites containing 4% nanoscale silicon and 300 grammes per square metre of woven Dharbai fibre showed the highest interlaminar shear strength after 15 minutes of cryogenic treatment. Fibre content increased the mechanical properties of pure epoxy in general. As the fibre and filler concentrations grew, more energy was required to break the fibre bundles between the matrix and its resin. According to the ANOVA, the cryogenic treatment was the most significant factor, contributing up to 59.58%, followed by woven Dharbai mate, contributing 22.11%, and nanosilicon at 18.30%. SEM is used to investigate the cracked composites’ fractographic examination