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Investigation of Glass Fiber influence on Mechanical characteristics and resistance to Water absorption of Natural fiber reinforced polyester composites
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
ScienceDirect www.materialstoday.com/proceedings Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
ICAMMAS17
Investigation of Glass Fiber influence on Mechanical characteristics and resistance to Water absorption of Natural fiber reinforced polyester composites
Jeswin Arputhabalana*, Palanikumar Kb, Roche Adaikalaraj Sc, Sugan Priyan Mc a Research Scholar, Anna University, Chennai-25 School of Mechanical Engineering, Sathybama University, Chennai b Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Institute of Technology, Chennai, India c
Abstract Composites have a greater influence in recent development of materials with high strength to weight ratio. In the present scenario an effort is on to identify the different and specific properties which are to be possessed by the same material to attain the possibility of using it in various applications. The composite materials play a major role in achieving that requirement. Most of the natural fiber composite materials possess good mechanical properties but it is now becoming necessary that it should possess other properties as well like resistance to water absorption, fire proof, etc,. Here in this investigation an attempt has been made to study mechanical properties and the resistance to water absorption in Kenaf, Aloe-vera and Sisal Fibers reinforced by addition of Glass fiber. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and/or Peer-review under responsibility of International Conference on Advances in Materials, Manufacturing and Applied Sciences Keywords: Natural fiber reinforced composites, Polymer matrix, Mechanical properties
1.Introduction A composite material is the combination of two or more materials that results in better properties than those of the individual components used alone. The constituents of a composite are commonly referred to as reinforcement and a matrix. The major advantages of composite materials are their high strength and stiffness, combined with low density allowing for a weight reduction in finished part. The strength and stiffness is contributed to a large extent by the reinforcing phase. [1-7] Glass fiber, also called fiberglass, is made from extremely fine fiber of glass. Fiberglass is very light in weight, extremely strong robust material. Its bulk modulus and weight properties are also very favorable when compared to metals, and it can be easily formed using molding processes. [8-11]
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +91 - 9884968964 E-mail address: [email protected] 2214-7853© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and Peer-review under responsibility of Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, Management and Thermal Science (AMMMT 2016).
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Jeswin Arputhabalan et al / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
The natural fiber-reinforced composites is growing rapidly due to their mechanical properties, low cost, processing advantages and low density. The availability of natural fibers in Asia is more and has some added advantages over traditional reinforcement materials in terms of cost, renewability, recyclability, abrasiveness and biodegradability. The performance of the natural fiber reinforced composites depends greatly on the fiber matrix and the ability to transfer the load from the matrix to the fiber traditional materials such as steel and aluminum. India is rich in plant resources and the use of a variety of natural fibers such as kenaf, banana, pineapple, sisal, hemp, coconut, palm, grasses etc. Traditionally, natural fibers have been used in all cultures for making utilitarian products.The fibers in kenaf are found in the bast and core.The bast constitutes 40% of plant. Kenaffiber is a natural fiber extracted from Hibiscus cannabinus. Kenaffiber also has a potential as reinforced fiber in thermosets and thermoplastics composites. More recent research and development work has demonstrated the plant’s suitability for use as building materials, textiles, adsorbents, livestock feed, and fibers in new and recycled plastics. [12-14] The aloe verafiber has low specific weight, thus resulting in a higher specific strength and stiffness than glass. This is an advantage especially in parts designed for bending stiffness. It is a renewable resource where CO2 is used while oxygen is given back to the environment and the production requires little energy. It is producible with lesser investment at low cost, which makes the material a good choice for low-wage countries. It requires friendly processing, no wear of tooling, and no skin irritation. Thermal recycling is possible, where glass causes problems in combustion furnaces. [14-19] Sisal is a coarse and strong fiber and is being increasingly used in composite materials for cars, furniture and construction as well as in plastics and paper products. Sisal fibers are obtained from the plant agave sisalana, a native of Mexico. The hardy plant grows well all year round in hot climate and dry regions which are very often unsuitable for other crops. Sisal can be cultivated in almost all soil types other than clay and has very low tolerance to very moist and saline soil conditions. Fiber removal is accomplished by scraping away the pulpy material, generally by a mechanical process, and by hand stripping. Sisal has a wide variety of applications including: twine, ropes, string, yarn and which can also be woven into carpets, mats, and various handicrafts. Competition from syntheticfibers has weakened the demand for sisal in traditional applications, however new consumer demands for natural fibers are expanding the markets for sisal in more high-value applications such as in paper, reinforcing composites and plastic composites. [19,20] 2. Fabrication The natural fiber reinforced polymer composite plates are fabricated using polyester as resin using compression molding process. In this process, the predetermined amount of charge of polymer is placed in the bottom half of a heated mold cavity. The plastic material is preheated prior to inserting into the mold cavity in order to reduce the temperature variationbetween the material and the mold cavity. The mold cavity is closed using the upper movable half mold and pressure is applied to gradually compress the material in to the mold cavity. This causes the raw material to be squeezed out to take the shape of the mold cavity. [21-25]
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) (e) (f) Fig. 1 Fabricated polymer composite mats(a) Aloe vera composite(b) Sisal fiber composite(c) Kenaffiber composite(d) Aloe vera –glass composite(e) Sisal glass fiber composite(f) Kenaf glass fiber composite
The figures above shows the composite plates fabricated by compression molding using aloe vera fiber, sisal and kenaf as reinforcement. It also shows the composite plates fabricated with woven glass fiber
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mat in addition to the natural fiber. The resin used is polyester, the fiber to resin ratio being 15:85. A curing period ranging from 2 to 3 hours is ensured for proper bonding between resin and reinforcement fiber. The glass fiber is of woven glass 0-90 degree orientation. The natural fiber and glass fiber are obtained in mat form of dimension 300x300mm. 3. Testing 3.1. Tensile Test The testing was done according to ASTM D 638 standard at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. The thickness, width and gauge length of a dumbbell shape tensile test sample was measured. Then it was placed in the grips for further testing.
(a) (b) Fig 2 Tensile test specimens, (a) Sisal fiber composite (b) Sisal-glass fiber composite
(a) (b) Fig.3 Fractured specimen – (a) Kenaf (b) Kenaf Glass Composite
Figures 2 and 3 show some of the specimens before and after being subjected to tensile testing. The fractured specimen shows a fracture of brittle nature. The table:1 below shows the results of tensile tests conducted. Table:1 Tensile Test results Breaking load in (N)
Ultimate stress in (N/mm²
Yield stress in (N/mm²)
Elongation %
Kenaf Fiber
2135
43
26
8.277
Kenaf Glass fiber
6143
114
30
15.056
Sisal Fiber
1797
28
12.6
12.3
Sisal Glass fiber
7080
121
25.3
28.16
Aloe vera Fiber
2470
44
28
9.1
Aloe vera Glass fiber
4695
117
35
14.2
Composite
3.2 Flexural Test A specimen according to ASTM D 790 was used for the flexural test. The thickness and width of the specimen was measured and recorded. The cross-head speed was set at 3 mm/min. Load was applied at the center of the specimen producing three points of bending at a specific rate. Flexural strength readings were calculated. Figure 4 shows some of the specimens prepared for flexural test. Table 2 shows the results of the test on various specimens.
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(a)
(b)
(c)
Fig.4 Flexural Test specimens (a) Kenaf(b) Kenaf Glass Composite (c) Sisal-glass composite
Table: 2 Flexural Test Results Composite
Breaking load in (N)
Ultimate Stress in (N/mm²)
Kenaf Fiber
167
5
Kenaf Glass fiber
96.7
2.3
Sisal Fiber
255
4
Sisal Glass fiber
561
9.6
Aloe vera Fiber
181
3
Aloe vera Glass fiber
193
4
3.3 Impact Test Standard notch according to ASTM D 256 was done on the specimens (rectangular bar) before impact test was conducted in MET MECH LAB at Chennai. The width and thickness of the specimens were measured via vernier calliper and and the readings were recorded. 2.4 mm depth of notch was made by CEAST/Torino Italy Type 6530. The specimens are clamped in the vice precisely and rigidly in position on the Izod impact tester (Zwick). The weight of hammer used is 7.5 J. The below table 3 show the results of impact strength values of different fiber reinforced polyester plates after testing in joules. Table: 3 Impact Test Results Composite
Impact Strength (joules)
Kenaf Fiber
2.73
Kenaf Glass fiber
9.43
Sisal Fiber
3.2
Sisal Glass fiber
13.76
Aloe vera Fiber
1.33
Aloe vera Glass fiber
5.26
Jeswin Arputhabalan et al /Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
Fig.5Kenaf, kenaf-glass specimens for Impact Test
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Fig.6 Sisal, sisal glass Impact test specimens
3.4 Hardness Test The Rockwell hardness test method, as defined in ASTM E18, is a commonly used method of testing indentation hardness. The Rockwell test is used on all metals except in conditions where the test metal structure or surface conditions would introduce too many variations; where the indentations would be large compared to application or where the sample size or sample shape prohibits its use.Hardness value is determined on a HRL: Hardness Rockwell machine L scale using Ball type indenter:1/4”, Minor load:10kg, Major load:60kg and Dwell time:5 sec Table:4 Rockwell Hardness Results Composite Kenaf Fiber
Hardness HRL 46.3
Kenaf Glass fiber
63
Sisal Fiber
75.8
Sisal Glass fiber
70.5
Aloe vera Fiber
76.7
Aloe vera Glass fiber
83.7
3.5 Water Absorption Test The natural fiber reinforced polymer specimens were soaked in water in individual beakers for 36 hours. The weight before soaking in water and after being soaked in water was measured to determine the water absorption rate. Water absorption gives an idea of strength of aggregate. Aggregates having more water absorption are more porous and are generally considered unsuitable unless they are found to be acceptable based on strength, impact and hardness tests.
Fig.7 Water absorption test
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Table: 5 Water Absorption Test Composite
Water absorption %
Kenaf Fiber
5.78
Kenaf Glass fiber
1.21
Sisal Fiber
2.2
Sisal Glass fiber
0.98
Aloe vera Fiber
6.43
Aloe vera Glass fiber
4.8
The above table gives the calculated percentage of water absorption in each type of natural fiber/ natural-glass fiber composite tested. 4. Results and Discussion The fabricated natural fiber reinforced polyester composite plates are subjected to various mechanical tests and tested to determine their moisture absorption capacity. The effect of adding alternate layers of woven glass fiber on these mechanical and water absorption properties are studied. 4.1. Tensile Test The following graph shows the breaking load values of the natural fiber/ natural fiber and glass fiber reinforced polymer composite specimens during tensile testing. It is clearly seen from figure 8 that the addition of glass fiber considerably increases the breaking resistance in every type of natural fiber reinforced composite tested here. A hybrid plate with sisal and glass fiber as reinforcement shows the maximum resistance to breaking load. 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0
7080
6143
4695 2135
Kenaf Fiber
1797
2470
Kenaf Sisal Fiber Sisal Glass Aloe vera Aloe vera Glass fiber fiber Fiber Glass fiber Breaking load in (N) Fig.8 Breaking Load of Composite plates
Figure 9 shows the yield stress, ultimate stress and percentage elongation values of sisal, sisal – glass, kenaf, kenaf-glass, aloe vera and aloe vera – glass fiber reinforced polyester composite specimens. The glass fiber reinforced composites show higher yield and ultimate stress values. Elongation is the amount of deformation a material can withstand while loaded and from the result as shown below in figure 18 it can be ascertained that natural-glass fiber composites have nearly five times more capacity to deform than their natural fiber only reinforced counterparts. The capability of the composite plates to elongate has increased considerably on addition of glass fiber. Sisal/Sisal-glass fiber reinforced polyester composite shows much better tensile characteristics compared to the other natural fiber and natural-glass fiber composites.
Jeswin Arputhabalan et al /Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
121
114
26
43
849
30
12.6 28
25.3
117
28
44
35
Kenaf Fiber Kenaf Glass Sisal Fiber Sisal Glass Aloe vera Aloe vera fiber fiber Fiber Glass fiber Yield stress (N/mm²)
Ultimate stress (N/mm²)
Fig.9Tensile Test results of FRP Composite plates
30
28.16
% Elongation
25 20 15.056
15
12.3
10
14.2
9.1 8.277
5
Kenaf/kenaf-glass
Sisal/Sisal-glass
Fig.10Elongation of FRP Composite plates
600 500 400 300 200 100 0
561 9.6 167 5
Kenaf Fiber
255 96.7
2.3
Kenaf Glass fiber
Sisal Fiber
Breaking load in (N)
193
181
4
3 Sisal Glass fiber
4
Aloe vera Aloe vera Fiber Glass fiber
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Ultimate stress (N/mm²)
Breaking Load (N)
4.2 Flexural Test
Ultimate Stress in (N/mm²)
Fig.11 Flexural test results of FRP Composite plates
The above figure shows the behaviour of the natural fiber/ natural-glass fiber composites when subjected to flexural tests. It can be seen that the addition of glass fiber does not to a great extent affect the flexural properties of the composites.
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Aloe vera Glass fiber Aloe vera Fiber Sisal Glass fiber Sisal Fiber Kenaf Glass fiber Kenaf Fiber 0
5
10
15
Impact Strength (joules) Fig.12Impact Test results of FRP Composite plates
Aloe vera Glass fiber Aloe vera Fiber Sisal Glass fiber Sisal Fiber Kenaf Glass fiber Kenaf Fiber 0
20
40
60
80
100
Hardness HRL Fig.13Hardness values of FRP Composite plates
4.3 Impact Test The impact strength of the polyester composites show considerable improvement on addition of woven glass fiber mat to the natural fiber reinforcement as seen in figure 12. 4.4 Hardness Test From the above graph in figure 13 showing the test results of hardness values of natural/natural with glass fiberit can be seen that though there is an increase in hardness the increase is not very high due to the brittle nature of glass fiber. Sisal with glass exhibits even lesser hardness value. Aloe vera polyester composite with and without glass is seen to have the best resistance to indentation, having a high hardness value. 4.5 Water Absorption The water absorption test is carried out to determine the affinity of a natural fiber to absorb moisture. The main drawback of using natural fiber composites in industrial applications is their moisture absorption characteristic. Extensive methods of coating fibers with various compounds to reduce this have been developed. Fabricating a natural-glass hybrid fiber composite may help in reducing the moisture absorption, this criteria is tested and the results shown in figure 14. Aloe verafiber has the highest affinity to moisture, Sisal showing the lowest in our tests. In aloe vera and sisal fiber composites, the addition of a woven glass fiber layer shows a limited reduction in water absorption. Addition of glass fiber layer with kenaf shows considerable decrease in water absorption when compared to the other specimens.
Jeswin Arputhabalan et al /Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
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Aloe vera Glass fiber Aloe vera Fiber Sisal Glass fiber Sisal Fiber Kenaf Glass fiber Kenaf Fiber 0
2
4
6
Water absorption %
8
Fig.14Water absorption of FRP Composite plates
Conclusion Composite materials based on all-cellulose are getting more and more attention. Focus is now given to environmental aspects: renewable, biodegradable, compo sable, and sustainable. Due to the water absorbing characteristics of natural fiber, glass fiber is mixed and then the mechanical testing is carried out. These fibers together form a hybrid structure; such hybrid composites have unique features that can be help meet growing design requirements in an economical manner compared to conventional composites.This study focused to compare the mechanical properties of various natural fiber and natural fiber with glass fiber reinforced composite. The natural fiber with glass fiber, which is fabricated by compression molding process presents good mechanical properties. The comparison charts showthat natural fiber -glass fiber reinforced polyester composites possess some mechanical advantages greater than natural fiber only reinforced composites. The water absorption affinity of the fiber plates show considerable reduction on use of alternate glass fiber layers in the composites. References [1] Anuar. H, Zuraidan. A, Morlin. B & Kovacs. J.G. Micromechanical Property Investigations of Poly(lactic acid) Kenaf Fiber Bio composites on June 2013. [2] Chao Chena, MisukChoa, Byung-Woo Kima, Jae-Do Namb, YoungkwanLeeaThermo plasticization and characterization of kenaf fiber by benzylation on Dec 2011. [3] Chin J W, Hughes W L, Signor A, elevated temperature aging of glass fiber reinforced vinyl ester and isophthalic polyester composites in water, salt water and concrete pore solution, National standards of technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. [4] Dalia Khalid Mahmouda, MohamadAmranMohdSalleha,b,∗, Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karima,AzniIdrisa, ZurinaZainalAbidinaBatch adsorption of basic dye using acid treated kenaf fibre char: Equilibrium,kinetic and thermodynamic studies on Nov. [5] Davallo M, Pasdar H, Mohseni M (2010), mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin, Journal of chemtech research, vol.2, no.4, pp.2113-2117. [6] Edcleide M Araujo, Kasselyne D Araujo, Osanildo D Pereira, Pollyana, Riberio C, Tomas J A de Melo(2006), fiberglass wastes/polyester resin composites: mechanical properties and water absorption, Ciencia E Technologia, vol.16, no.4. [7] EI-Shekeill. Y.A., Sapuan. S. M. Influence of chemical treatment on the tensile properties of kenaffiber reinforced thermo plastic polyurethane compositeon Aug. 2012. [8] Flavio de Silva, Deju Zhu, BarzinMohasher and Romildo Dias Toledo Filho (2011), impact behavior of sisal fiber cement, composites under flexural load, ACI materials journal, vol.108, no.2. [9] Fracture Toughness of vinyl Ester composite reinforced with Sawdust and Post cured in Microwaves by H.Ku and M.Prajapati on May 2012. [10] Hyo Jin Kim, Do Won Seo (2006), effect of water absorption fatigue on mechanical properties of sisal texile reinforced composites, International journal of fatigue. [11] Jayanthi. S and Janci Rani. J Improving Mechanical properties kenaf natural long fiber reinforced composite for Automotive structure on Dec 2011. [12] Jeswin Arputhabalan. J, Palanikumar K (2015) “Tensile Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymers: An overview”, Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2015, vol. 766-767, pp. 133-139. [13] Jeyanthi S, Janci Rani J (2012), Improving mechanical properties by kenaf natural long fiber reinforced composite for automotive structures, Journal of applied science and engineering, vol.15, no.3, pp.275-280. [14] Kishor Kumara, Ramesh Bab. P Evaluation of Flexural and Tensile Properties of short KenafFiber Reinforced Green Composites by on Dec 2014. [15] KotreshSardar, Dr.Veeresh. K, ManjunathaGowda Characterization and Investigation of Tensile Test on KenafFiber Reinforced Polyester Composite Material on June 2014. [16] KU H, Cheng Y M, Snook C and Baddeley D (2004), drop weight impact test fracture of vinyl ester composites: micrographs of pilot study, university of southern queensland, Australia.
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[17] Kuruvilla Joseph, Romildo Dias Toledo Filho, Beena James, Sabu Thomas and Laura Hecker de Carvalho (1999), a review on sisal fiber reinforced polymer composites, Revistabrasileira de Engenharia Agricola e ambiental, vol.3, no.3, pp.367-379. [18] MohdYuhazri, Y. PhongsakornMechanical Properties of Kenaf/Polyester Compositeon Feb 2011. [19] Ribot, N.M.H., Ahmad, Z.*, Mustaffa, N.K.Mechanical Properties of KenafFiber Composite Using Co-cured in-line Fiber Joint At mara Malaysian university on April 2011. [20] SalarBagherpour (2012), fiber reinforced polyester composites,INTECHhttp://dx.doi.org/10.5772/48697. [21] SeyedMostafaBatoulia,*,YiminZhua,MangeshNarb,NandikaAnneD’SouzacEnvironmentalperformanceofkenaf-fiber reinforced polyurethane alifecycleassessmentapproach on Nov 2013. [22] Sivappa and Sivakumar K Mechanical characterization of rice Husk flour Reinforced Vinyl ester polymer composite on Nov 2013. [23] SrinivasaMoorthy. S and Manonmani. K. Fabrication and Characterization of TIO2 Particulate Filled Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Compositeon Oct 2013. [24] Tara sen, Jaganathanreddy H N (2011), application of sisal, bamboo, coir and jute natural composites in structural up gradation and avoiding pollution by using these natural resources, International journal of innovation, management and technology, vol.2, no.3. [25] Thiruchitrambalam. M, Alavudeen. A Improving of Mechanical Properties of Banana\Kenaf Polyester Hybrid Composite Using Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Treatment on Nov 2009. [26] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FRP_tanks_and_vessels [27] http://reference.globalspec.com/references/detail?docid=6714850&doctype=3&feedIds=3
ScienceDirect www.materialstoday.com/proceedings Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
ICAMMAS17
Investigation of Glass Fiber influence on Mechanical characteristics and resistance to Water absorption of Natural fiber reinforced polyester composites
Jeswin Arputhabalana*, Palanikumar Kb, Roche Adaikalaraj Sc, Sugan Priyan Mc a Research Scholar, Anna University, Chennai-25 School of Mechanical Engineering, Sathybama University, Chennai b Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Institute of Technology, Chennai, India c
Abstract Composites have a greater influence in recent development of materials with high strength to weight ratio. In the present scenario an effort is on to identify the different and specific properties which are to be possessed by the same material to attain the possibility of using it in various applications. The composite materials play a major role in achieving that requirement. Most of the natural fiber composite materials possess good mechanical properties but it is now becoming necessary that it should possess other properties as well like resistance to water absorption, fire proof, etc,. Here in this investigation an attempt has been made to study mechanical properties and the resistance to water absorption in Kenaf, Aloe-vera and Sisal Fibers reinforced by addition of Glass fiber. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and/or Peer-review under responsibility of International Conference on Advances in Materials, Manufacturing and Applied Sciences Keywords: Natural fiber reinforced composites, Polymer matrix, Mechanical properties
1.Introduction A composite material is the combination of two or more materials that results in better properties than those of the individual components used alone. The constituents of a composite are commonly referred to as reinforcement and a matrix. The major advantages of composite materials are their high strength and stiffness, combined with low density allowing for a weight reduction in finished part. The strength and stiffness is contributed to a large extent by the reinforcing phase. [1-7] Glass fiber, also called fiberglass, is made from extremely fine fiber of glass. Fiberglass is very light in weight, extremely strong robust material. Its bulk modulus and weight properties are also very favorable when compared to metals, and it can be easily formed using molding processes. [8-11]
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +91 - 9884968964 E-mail address: [email protected] 2214-7853© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and Peer-review under responsibility of Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, Management and Thermal Science (AMMMT 2016).
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Jeswin Arputhabalan et al / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
The natural fiber-reinforced composites is growing rapidly due to their mechanical properties, low cost, processing advantages and low density. The availability of natural fibers in Asia is more and has some added advantages over traditional reinforcement materials in terms of cost, renewability, recyclability, abrasiveness and biodegradability. The performance of the natural fiber reinforced composites depends greatly on the fiber matrix and the ability to transfer the load from the matrix to the fiber traditional materials such as steel and aluminum. India is rich in plant resources and the use of a variety of natural fibers such as kenaf, banana, pineapple, sisal, hemp, coconut, palm, grasses etc. Traditionally, natural fibers have been used in all cultures for making utilitarian products.The fibers in kenaf are found in the bast and core.The bast constitutes 40% of plant. Kenaffiber is a natural fiber extracted from Hibiscus cannabinus. Kenaffiber also has a potential as reinforced fiber in thermosets and thermoplastics composites. More recent research and development work has demonstrated the plant’s suitability for use as building materials, textiles, adsorbents, livestock feed, and fibers in new and recycled plastics. [12-14] The aloe verafiber has low specific weight, thus resulting in a higher specific strength and stiffness than glass. This is an advantage especially in parts designed for bending stiffness. It is a renewable resource where CO2 is used while oxygen is given back to the environment and the production requires little energy. It is producible with lesser investment at low cost, which makes the material a good choice for low-wage countries. It requires friendly processing, no wear of tooling, and no skin irritation. Thermal recycling is possible, where glass causes problems in combustion furnaces. [14-19] Sisal is a coarse and strong fiber and is being increasingly used in composite materials for cars, furniture and construction as well as in plastics and paper products. Sisal fibers are obtained from the plant agave sisalana, a native of Mexico. The hardy plant grows well all year round in hot climate and dry regions which are very often unsuitable for other crops. Sisal can be cultivated in almost all soil types other than clay and has very low tolerance to very moist and saline soil conditions. Fiber removal is accomplished by scraping away the pulpy material, generally by a mechanical process, and by hand stripping. Sisal has a wide variety of applications including: twine, ropes, string, yarn and which can also be woven into carpets, mats, and various handicrafts. Competition from syntheticfibers has weakened the demand for sisal in traditional applications, however new consumer demands for natural fibers are expanding the markets for sisal in more high-value applications such as in paper, reinforcing composites and plastic composites. [19,20] 2. Fabrication The natural fiber reinforced polymer composite plates are fabricated using polyester as resin using compression molding process. In this process, the predetermined amount of charge of polymer is placed in the bottom half of a heated mold cavity. The plastic material is preheated prior to inserting into the mold cavity in order to reduce the temperature variationbetween the material and the mold cavity. The mold cavity is closed using the upper movable half mold and pressure is applied to gradually compress the material in to the mold cavity. This causes the raw material to be squeezed out to take the shape of the mold cavity. [21-25]
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) (e) (f) Fig. 1 Fabricated polymer composite mats(a) Aloe vera composite(b) Sisal fiber composite(c) Kenaffiber composite(d) Aloe vera –glass composite(e) Sisal glass fiber composite(f) Kenaf glass fiber composite
The figures above shows the composite plates fabricated by compression molding using aloe vera fiber, sisal and kenaf as reinforcement. It also shows the composite plates fabricated with woven glass fiber
Jeswin Arputhabalan et al /Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
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mat in addition to the natural fiber. The resin used is polyester, the fiber to resin ratio being 15:85. A curing period ranging from 2 to 3 hours is ensured for proper bonding between resin and reinforcement fiber. The glass fiber is of woven glass 0-90 degree orientation. The natural fiber and glass fiber are obtained in mat form of dimension 300x300mm. 3. Testing 3.1. Tensile Test The testing was done according to ASTM D 638 standard at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. The thickness, width and gauge length of a dumbbell shape tensile test sample was measured. Then it was placed in the grips for further testing.
(a) (b) Fig 2 Tensile test specimens, (a) Sisal fiber composite (b) Sisal-glass fiber composite
(a) (b) Fig.3 Fractured specimen – (a) Kenaf (b) Kenaf Glass Composite
Figures 2 and 3 show some of the specimens before and after being subjected to tensile testing. The fractured specimen shows a fracture of brittle nature. The table:1 below shows the results of tensile tests conducted. Table:1 Tensile Test results Breaking load in (N)
Ultimate stress in (N/mm²
Yield stress in (N/mm²)
Elongation %
Kenaf Fiber
2135
43
26
8.277
Kenaf Glass fiber
6143
114
30
15.056
Sisal Fiber
1797
28
12.6
12.3
Sisal Glass fiber
7080
121
25.3
28.16
Aloe vera Fiber
2470
44
28
9.1
Aloe vera Glass fiber
4695
117
35
14.2
Composite
3.2 Flexural Test A specimen according to ASTM D 790 was used for the flexural test. The thickness and width of the specimen was measured and recorded. The cross-head speed was set at 3 mm/min. Load was applied at the center of the specimen producing three points of bending at a specific rate. Flexural strength readings were calculated. Figure 4 shows some of the specimens prepared for flexural test. Table 2 shows the results of the test on various specimens.
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Jeswin Arputhabalan et al / Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
(a)
(b)
(c)
Fig.4 Flexural Test specimens (a) Kenaf(b) Kenaf Glass Composite (c) Sisal-glass composite
Table: 2 Flexural Test Results Composite
Breaking load in (N)
Ultimate Stress in (N/mm²)
Kenaf Fiber
167
5
Kenaf Glass fiber
96.7
2.3
Sisal Fiber
255
4
Sisal Glass fiber
561
9.6
Aloe vera Fiber
181
3
Aloe vera Glass fiber
193
4
3.3 Impact Test Standard notch according to ASTM D 256 was done on the specimens (rectangular bar) before impact test was conducted in MET MECH LAB at Chennai. The width and thickness of the specimens were measured via vernier calliper and and the readings were recorded. 2.4 mm depth of notch was made by CEAST/Torino Italy Type 6530. The specimens are clamped in the vice precisely and rigidly in position on the Izod impact tester (Zwick). The weight of hammer used is 7.5 J. The below table 3 show the results of impact strength values of different fiber reinforced polyester plates after testing in joules. Table: 3 Impact Test Results Composite
Impact Strength (joules)
Kenaf Fiber
2.73
Kenaf Glass fiber
9.43
Sisal Fiber
3.2
Sisal Glass fiber
13.76
Aloe vera Fiber
1.33
Aloe vera Glass fiber
5.26
Jeswin Arputhabalan et al /Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
Fig.5Kenaf, kenaf-glass specimens for Impact Test
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Fig.6 Sisal, sisal glass Impact test specimens
3.4 Hardness Test The Rockwell hardness test method, as defined in ASTM E18, is a commonly used method of testing indentation hardness. The Rockwell test is used on all metals except in conditions where the test metal structure or surface conditions would introduce too many variations; where the indentations would be large compared to application or where the sample size or sample shape prohibits its use.Hardness value is determined on a HRL: Hardness Rockwell machine L scale using Ball type indenter:1/4”, Minor load:10kg, Major load:60kg and Dwell time:5 sec Table:4 Rockwell Hardness Results Composite Kenaf Fiber
Hardness HRL 46.3
Kenaf Glass fiber
63
Sisal Fiber
75.8
Sisal Glass fiber
70.5
Aloe vera Fiber
76.7
Aloe vera Glass fiber
83.7
3.5 Water Absorption Test The natural fiber reinforced polymer specimens were soaked in water in individual beakers for 36 hours. The weight before soaking in water and after being soaked in water was measured to determine the water absorption rate. Water absorption gives an idea of strength of aggregate. Aggregates having more water absorption are more porous and are generally considered unsuitable unless they are found to be acceptable based on strength, impact and hardness tests.
Fig.7 Water absorption test
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Table: 5 Water Absorption Test Composite
Water absorption %
Kenaf Fiber
5.78
Kenaf Glass fiber
1.21
Sisal Fiber
2.2
Sisal Glass fiber
0.98
Aloe vera Fiber
6.43
Aloe vera Glass fiber
4.8
The above table gives the calculated percentage of water absorption in each type of natural fiber/ natural-glass fiber composite tested. 4. Results and Discussion The fabricated natural fiber reinforced polyester composite plates are subjected to various mechanical tests and tested to determine their moisture absorption capacity. The effect of adding alternate layers of woven glass fiber on these mechanical and water absorption properties are studied. 4.1. Tensile Test The following graph shows the breaking load values of the natural fiber/ natural fiber and glass fiber reinforced polymer composite specimens during tensile testing. It is clearly seen from figure 8 that the addition of glass fiber considerably increases the breaking resistance in every type of natural fiber reinforced composite tested here. A hybrid plate with sisal and glass fiber as reinforcement shows the maximum resistance to breaking load. 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0
7080
6143
4695 2135
Kenaf Fiber
1797
2470
Kenaf Sisal Fiber Sisal Glass Aloe vera Aloe vera Glass fiber fiber Fiber Glass fiber Breaking load in (N) Fig.8 Breaking Load of Composite plates
Figure 9 shows the yield stress, ultimate stress and percentage elongation values of sisal, sisal – glass, kenaf, kenaf-glass, aloe vera and aloe vera – glass fiber reinforced polyester composite specimens. The glass fiber reinforced composites show higher yield and ultimate stress values. Elongation is the amount of deformation a material can withstand while loaded and from the result as shown below in figure 18 it can be ascertained that natural-glass fiber composites have nearly five times more capacity to deform than their natural fiber only reinforced counterparts. The capability of the composite plates to elongate has increased considerably on addition of glass fiber. Sisal/Sisal-glass fiber reinforced polyester composite shows much better tensile characteristics compared to the other natural fiber and natural-glass fiber composites.
Jeswin Arputhabalan et al /Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
121
114
26
43
849
30
12.6 28
25.3
117
28
44
35
Kenaf Fiber Kenaf Glass Sisal Fiber Sisal Glass Aloe vera Aloe vera fiber fiber Fiber Glass fiber Yield stress (N/mm²)
Ultimate stress (N/mm²)
Fig.9Tensile Test results of FRP Composite plates
30
28.16
% Elongation
25 20 15.056
15
12.3
10
14.2
9.1 8.277
5
Kenaf/kenaf-glass
Sisal/Sisal-glass
Fig.10Elongation of FRP Composite plates
600 500 400 300 200 100 0
561 9.6 167 5
Kenaf Fiber
255 96.7
2.3
Kenaf Glass fiber
Sisal Fiber
Breaking load in (N)
193
181
4
3 Sisal Glass fiber
4
Aloe vera Aloe vera Fiber Glass fiber
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Ultimate stress (N/mm²)
Breaking Load (N)
4.2 Flexural Test
Ultimate Stress in (N/mm²)
Fig.11 Flexural test results of FRP Composite plates
The above figure shows the behaviour of the natural fiber/ natural-glass fiber composites when subjected to flexural tests. It can be seen that the addition of glass fiber does not to a great extent affect the flexural properties of the composites.
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Aloe vera Glass fiber Aloe vera Fiber Sisal Glass fiber Sisal Fiber Kenaf Glass fiber Kenaf Fiber 0
5
10
15
Impact Strength (joules) Fig.12Impact Test results of FRP Composite plates
Aloe vera Glass fiber Aloe vera Fiber Sisal Glass fiber Sisal Fiber Kenaf Glass fiber Kenaf Fiber 0
20
40
60
80
100
Hardness HRL Fig.13Hardness values of FRP Composite plates
4.3 Impact Test The impact strength of the polyester composites show considerable improvement on addition of woven glass fiber mat to the natural fiber reinforcement as seen in figure 12. 4.4 Hardness Test From the above graph in figure 13 showing the test results of hardness values of natural/natural with glass fiberit can be seen that though there is an increase in hardness the increase is not very high due to the brittle nature of glass fiber. Sisal with glass exhibits even lesser hardness value. Aloe vera polyester composite with and without glass is seen to have the best resistance to indentation, having a high hardness value. 4.5 Water Absorption The water absorption test is carried out to determine the affinity of a natural fiber to absorb moisture. The main drawback of using natural fiber composites in industrial applications is their moisture absorption characteristic. Extensive methods of coating fibers with various compounds to reduce this have been developed. Fabricating a natural-glass hybrid fiber composite may help in reducing the moisture absorption, this criteria is tested and the results shown in figure 14. Aloe verafiber has the highest affinity to moisture, Sisal showing the lowest in our tests. In aloe vera and sisal fiber composites, the addition of a woven glass fiber layer shows a limited reduction in water absorption. Addition of glass fiber layer with kenaf shows considerable decrease in water absorption when compared to the other specimens.
Jeswin Arputhabalan et al /Materials Today: Proceedings 16 (2019) 843–852
851
Aloe vera Glass fiber Aloe vera Fiber Sisal Glass fiber Sisal Fiber Kenaf Glass fiber Kenaf Fiber 0
2
4
6
Water absorption %
8
Fig.14Water absorption of FRP Composite plates
Conclusion Composite materials based on all-cellulose are getting more and more attention. Focus is now given to environmental aspects: renewable, biodegradable, compo sable, and sustainable. Due to the water absorbing characteristics of natural fiber, glass fiber is mixed and then the mechanical testing is carried out. These fibers together form a hybrid structure; such hybrid composites have unique features that can be help meet growing design requirements in an economical manner compared to conventional composites.This study focused to compare the mechanical properties of various natural fiber and natural fiber with glass fiber reinforced composite. The natural fiber with glass fiber, which is fabricated by compression molding process presents good mechanical properties. The comparison charts showthat natural fiber -glass fiber reinforced polyester composites possess some mechanical advantages greater than natural fiber only reinforced composites. The water absorption affinity of the fiber plates show considerable reduction on use of alternate glass fiber layers in the composites. References [1] Anuar. H, Zuraidan. A, Morlin. B & Kovacs. J.G. Micromechanical Property Investigations of Poly(lactic acid) Kenaf Fiber Bio composites on June 2013. [2] Chao Chena, MisukChoa, Byung-Woo Kima, Jae-Do Namb, YoungkwanLeeaThermo plasticization and characterization of kenaf fiber by benzylation on Dec 2011. [3] Chin J W, Hughes W L, Signor A, elevated temperature aging of glass fiber reinforced vinyl ester and isophthalic polyester composites in water, salt water and concrete pore solution, National standards of technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. [4] Dalia Khalid Mahmouda, MohamadAmranMohdSalleha,b,∗, Wan Azlina Wan Abdul Karima,AzniIdrisa, ZurinaZainalAbidinaBatch adsorption of basic dye using acid treated kenaf fibre char: Equilibrium,kinetic and thermodynamic studies on Nov. [5] Davallo M, Pasdar H, Mohseni M (2010), mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin, Journal of chemtech research, vol.2, no.4, pp.2113-2117. [6] Edcleide M Araujo, Kasselyne D Araujo, Osanildo D Pereira, Pollyana, Riberio C, Tomas J A de Melo(2006), fiberglass wastes/polyester resin composites: mechanical properties and water absorption, Ciencia E Technologia, vol.16, no.4. [7] EI-Shekeill. Y.A., Sapuan. S. M. Influence of chemical treatment on the tensile properties of kenaffiber reinforced thermo plastic polyurethane compositeon Aug. 2012. [8] Flavio de Silva, Deju Zhu, BarzinMohasher and Romildo Dias Toledo Filho (2011), impact behavior of sisal fiber cement, composites under flexural load, ACI materials journal, vol.108, no.2. [9] Fracture Toughness of vinyl Ester composite reinforced with Sawdust and Post cured in Microwaves by H.Ku and M.Prajapati on May 2012. [10] Hyo Jin Kim, Do Won Seo (2006), effect of water absorption fatigue on mechanical properties of sisal texile reinforced composites, International journal of fatigue. [11] Jayanthi. S and Janci Rani. J Improving Mechanical properties kenaf natural long fiber reinforced composite for Automotive structure on Dec 2011. [12] Jeswin Arputhabalan. J, Palanikumar K (2015) “Tensile Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymers: An overview”, Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2015, vol. 766-767, pp. 133-139. [13] Jeyanthi S, Janci Rani J (2012), Improving mechanical properties by kenaf natural long fiber reinforced composite for automotive structures, Journal of applied science and engineering, vol.15, no.3, pp.275-280. [14] Kishor Kumara, Ramesh Bab. P Evaluation of Flexural and Tensile Properties of short KenafFiber Reinforced Green Composites by on Dec 2014. [15] KotreshSardar, Dr.Veeresh. K, ManjunathaGowda Characterization and Investigation of Tensile Test on KenafFiber Reinforced Polyester Composite Material on June 2014. [16] KU H, Cheng Y M, Snook C and Baddeley D (2004), drop weight impact test fracture of vinyl ester composites: micrographs of pilot study, university of southern queensland, Australia.
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