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Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have become more attractive due to their high specific strength, light weight and environmental concern. However, some limitations such as low modulus and poor moisture resistance were reported. This paper presents the role of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on physico-mechanical properties of bidirectional silk and basalt fiber reinforced epoxy (SF-BF/Ep) hybrid composites. Vacuum bagging and ultra-sonication method were used for the fabrication of hybrid composite slabs. The effect of HNT loadings (1.5, 3 and 4.5 wt. %) on physico-mechanical characteristics like density, hardness, flexural and impact properties of SF-BF/Ep composites were determined according to ASTM standards. Experimental results revealed that the incorporation of HNTs improves the mechanical properties. The impact strength of SF-BF/Ep is predominant at 3 wt. % HNT loading where the impact strength surges to 568.67 J/m, which may render HNT filled SF-BF/Ep desirable for various toughness-critical structural applications. The test results demonstrated that SF-BF/Ep-3HNT coded composites exhibited improved mechanical properties among the all composites.

The use of nanofiller and fiber reinforced polymeric composites has risen immensely over the last decade and it finds abundant applications in the field of thermal power plants, coatings, and automotives. In this research article, the effect of nano-alumina on carbon fabric reinforced epoxy (CF/Ep) hybrid composites was investigated by microstructure, Fourier transfer infrared radiation (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Addition of nano-alumina increased the intensity of peak related to C–H bonds and large broad bands were initiated in the region of 865 to 820 cm−1.The Al-O-Al bonds are stretching due to vibrations in the octahedral and tetrahedral coordination. XRD analysis on CF/Ep hybrid clearly reveals the presence of nano-alumina particles. DMA demonstrates that both the storage modulus and glass transition temperature be likely to increase with the incorporation of nano-alumina. Furthermore, the loss modulus was found to be highest for the 2 wt% of nano-alumina filled CF/Ep hybrid composite

The boosting of electrical and microelectronic goods causes the continuous increase in the amount of power per unit volume of these gadgets, leading to unavoidable overheating problems that diminish their functional performance as well as life span. One of the primary aims of materials science is the creation of high-performance materials that are made from renewable resources. Multi-phase composites were recognised as an effective route to achieve a new portfolio of advanced materials with superior performance. Some of the functional fillers in polymer-based composite materials exhibit outstanding electrical insulation, chemical resistance, mechanical and processing properties, and therefore are considered to be the most promising candidates to solve the heat dissipation problem. In this research article, the thermal behavior, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), and Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of hybrid nano-sized hydroxyapatite filled hybrid fiber reinforced epoxy nanocomposites are investigated. Three important parameters were examined at 1 Hz frequency: storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping, all from room temperature to 160 °C. The influence of the nHAP loading on the dynamic mechanical properties are discussed and explained with the highly relevant works from the available literature. In particular, the dependence of the hybrid composite damping on the nHAP loading was explained with regard to damping due to particle–particle and polymer-fiber interaction. The presence of nHAP is confirmed by a wider XRD curve, and the incorporation of nHAP results in the removal of the hydroxy group from the fibers as shown by FTIR. The inclusion of nHAP in a hybrid (S + B/Ep) composite enhances the synergetic effect, which raises the storage and loss modulus, decreases the damping factor, and increases the Tg of the nHAP filled hybrid nanocomposites.

Researchers have suggested the usage of lightweight materials in the automotive and other engineering components which has proven to be one of the potential ways to meet demand for fuel efficiency ...

The purpose of this research work is to explore the potential of nano silicon dioxide (nSiO2) with the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CF/Ep) composite for achieving better wear resistance and viscoelasticity. An effort is made to improve the material behavior by modifying epoxy with silane treated nSiO2. Ultrasonication process is used to disperse the nano particles uniformly within the matrix material. Mono CF/Ep composite and hybrid nSiO2-CF/Ep composites are fabricated by vacuum bagging method. Post curing of the composites is carried out effectively. Dry sliding wear tests are conducted using Taguchi technique by considering four levels, three factors namely, filler loading (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 3 wt.%), sliding velocity (0.75, 1.5, 2.25 and 3 m/s) and load (15, 30, 45, and 60 N). Further from the analysis of variance, the impact of each factor and level on specific wear rate (Ks) and coefficient of friction (COF) are examined. The result revealed that the lowest Ks and COF are in 3 wt.% nSiO2 filled CF/Ep hybrid composite. The optimum control factor-level combinations identified from the experiments, for achieving lowest Ks (0101×10-13 m3/Nm) and COF (0.221), are 3 wt.% filler loading, sliding velocity of 0.75 m/s, and an applied load of 60 N. Based on Signal to noise graph, confirmation test is conducted. Worn surface of the composites are analyzed utilizing scanning electron microscope. Damping behavior of the composites is analyzed from room temperature till 160 °C. As the filler content increased, storage modulus (E') and glass transition (Tg) temperature increased. 3 wt.%, nSiO2 filled composite showed higher E' of 18386 MPa and Tg of 87.3 °C.

In the present investigation, hand layup processed composites and hot-pressed Carbon matrix reinforced composites were manufactured with and without the addition of carbon nanotubes. The fabricated...

The processing approach and conditions to fabricate AZ91–Ti3AlC2 composites through melt infiltration (MI) were optimized. Ti3AlC2 reinforcement was varied from ~ 30 to ~ 50 vol.%. In the processing approach, AZ91 alloy cubes were spread in Ti3AlC2 powder packing and heated to 600–750 °C at an applied pressure of 0.2–7 MPa, resulting in AZ91–Ti3AlC2 composite. The effect of starting particle size of Ti3AlC2 powder applied pressure, temperature and time to obtain 95% relative density composites was studied. Further, it was demonstrated that the processing parameters differ with the varying Ti3AlC2 vol.%. The effect of reinforcement particle size on distribution within the AZ91 matrix was established. The processing approach is a single step, wherein the preform fabrication process is not required, as reported in the literature. Microhardness, compressive strength and flexural strength of AZ91–50Ti3AlC2 composite were 307 ± 14 HV0.5, 592 ± 13 MPa and 560 ± 9 MPa, respectively.

The need for exploring the mechanical and wear behavior of thermoset polymers and their composites is found to be ever-increasing, owing to their usage in an enormous number of engineering applications. This article briefs recent studies and inferences drawn on mechanical and tribological (wear and friction) behavior and several other associated factors that govern the properties of polymer-based composites. In addition to primary reinforcements, a wide range of secondary fillers are being reinforced in polymers to enhance mechanical and wear performance. Glass, Carbon, and Kevlar are widely used primary reinforcements in polymers along with various secondary reinforcements like SiC, Si3N4, Al2O3, MoS2, WS2 TiO2, SiO2, ZrO2, MbO2, ZnS, CaCO3, CaO, MgCO3, Ta/NbC, MgO, TiC, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, and hexagonal boron nitride. A detailed review of research carried out by scientists to correlate the effect of secondary reinforcements on the mechanical and tribological performance of polymer composites is documented in the present article. The impact of the geometry of primary reinforcements along with varying particle size and volume fraction of secondary reinforcements is discussed in the present paper. Surface modification, which is considered as a substantial solution for delamination by many researchers, is discussed.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the fracture toughness of carbon fibre/epoxy composite with different thickness of carbon fibers. The composites were fabricated using hand layup technique by resin infusion of 200gsm, 400gsm and hybrid carbon fabric lamina. The fracture toughness of composites with carbon hybrid carbon fibers were studied using single edge notched beam method at the room temperature (25 °C). From the experimental results it was found that epoxy composites reinforced with 200gsm carbon fiber better fracture toughness compare to composites reinforced with other fibers. And impact strength of epoxy composites with carbon fibers and hybrid carbon fibers also studied for comparison.

Pure copper (Cu) was strengthened with 30, 40, and 50 wt% of fly-ash cenosphere (Csp) particles by fabrication through powder metallurgy route. The effects of Csp particles loading on microstructure, density, hardness, tensile strength and tribological behaviour of Csp/Cu composites were investigated. Dry sliding wear tests were evaluated using a pin-on-disk wear apparatus at diverse loads, sliding velocity and sliding distance. Hardness and tensile strength measurements showed a critical Csp loading of 50 wt% at which a hardness peak and high strength were attained. The design of experimental approach using Taguchi technique was utilized to predict the friction and wear behaviour against variable parameters such as reinforcement loading (A), sliding velocity (B), applied normal load (C), and sliding distance (D). Analysis of variance (Anova) was applied to verify the rationality of the established model. It was perceived that the variable (D) has a significant effect on specific wear rate shadowed by variables (C), (A), and (B) respectively. However, the Anova data on the friction coefficient revealed that the variable (A) has the highest significance on friction coefficient followed by variables (C), (B), and (D) respectively.

Surface morphology and Physico-mechanical properties of 25, 30, 35 and 40 wt. % of short basalt fiber (sBF) reinforced epoxy composite is presented in this paper. Density, hardness, tensile and flexural tests were performed to measure the physico-mechanical properties of each silane treated sBF/Ep composite. In general, up to a certain threshold , the tensile and flexural properties of the composite increased as the wt. % increased, post which, there was a decrease in strength and modulus. Mechanical test outcomes revealed that 35 wt. % silane treated sBF/Ep composites indicated 31% and 40% increase in tensile strength and flexural strength respectively. Inspection of tensile and three-point bend fractured surface of sBF/Ep composites showed better interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix. Finally, from the generated test data, it was presumed that 35 wt. % silane treated sBF/Ep composites gracefully and successfully improved the mechanical properties. These developed composites can be effectively utilized for various load-bearing components especially in automotive applications.

Micron sized alumina particles (≤10 µm) are incorporated between the plies of a conventional glass fabric reinforced epoxy (GE) composite to improve the fracture toughness (KIC). The influence of the alumina filler content (0, 7.5, and 10 wt%) on KIC are investigated. These composites are prepared by hand layup assisted by the vacuum bagging method. The prepared composites are evaluated for KIC at room temperature, elevated temperature (100 °C) and at cryogenic temperature (−15 °C). The KIC test was conducted utilizing single notched edge bend specimen under mode I according to ASTM D5045 standard. The test results indicated that KIC of GE is improved by addition of alumina particles. Furthermore, these composites maintained higher KIC at −15 °C and decreased significantly at elevated temperature. The maximum KIC is recorded at particle loading of 10 wt% GE hybrid composite.

Present investigation focuses on the inquiry of effect of incorporation of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into plain weave aramid fabric reinforced epoxy (AE) composites on its physical and mechanical properties. The MWCNTs were dispersed into the epoxy system at 0.15%, 0.3% and 0.5% by weight. For homogeneous dispersion and better interfacial adhesion, the filler was subjected to ultra-sonication in the epoxy medium. Uniform impregnation of resin mixture into fiber mat and improved fabrication was ensured by subjecting the stacked laminate with uniform pressure of 1 MPa. The laminate coupons according to ASTM standards were subjected to mechanical tests like hardness, tensile, flexural, and impact. Modification of epoxy matrix with MWCNTs could increase the interfacial adhesion between aramid fiber and epoxy matrix. Obtained results indicated that the addition of 0.3 wt% MWCNTs into the AE composite considerably improved the mechanical properties. Finally, it was concluded that MWCNTs hybrid AE composites will provide alternative constructional materials respect to conventional materials.

Nanoparticles could improve the mechanical properties of polymer based composites due to synergy of higher filler-matrix interaction and better load transfer from matrix to the fillers. Epoxy resin has high strength and modulus, and good adhesion strength, which makes it attractive for several industrial applications. To improve interfacial bonding between epoxy and silicon dioxide (SiO2), surface treatment of SiO2 is done using acetone and silane coupling agents. To improve SiO2 dispersion in epoxy matrix, the epoxy matrix is modified by mixing with amine containing liquid rubber. Ultrasonication process has been used for uniform mixing of SiO2 in the modified epoxy resin. Carbon fabric reinforced epoxy (CF/Ep) composite with surface treated nano- SiO2 are fabricated using vacuum bagging technique followed by hot press. The effect of silane treated nano- SiO2 with varying filler loadings from 0.5 to 3 wt% on the static mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile, and flexural properties are characterized following ASTM standards. The experimental results show that the inclusion of silane coupling agent increased the interfacial bonding between nano- SiO2 particles and the epoxy resin so that the surface hardness, tensile and flexural properties are improved.

As of late, a lot of research has been performed on the thermal degradation of polymer matrix composites since this is a significant issue in the utilization of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers in various kinds of conditions that are exposed to temperature changes. These composite systems performance under various temperatures is a significant boundary to be considered on the grounds that it can, in many cases, decide the upper bound on the temperatures at which a material has reasonable properties. Relative motion between the two contact bodies always results in progressive loss of material from the less hardened surface by various modes of wear. Generally, Normal load establishing the contact, relative velocity, sliding distance and hardness of materials decide the amount of wear. In addition to these, temperature which arises due to friction at the interface of the contact surfaces significantly controls the wear. In order to consider the effect of contact temperature on the adhesive wear of polymeric composites, thermal parameters such as thermal conductivity, diffusivity and heat capacity are required. Therefore, in this work, the abovementioned thermal parameters were determined by flash method for short carbon fiber (SCF) reinforced polyethersulfone (PES) composites filled with two well known self lubricating materials, namely, potassium titanate whisker (PTW) and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Thermal conductivity of SCF reinforced and PTW filled PES composites were improved whereas UHMWPE filled composites showed no significant change in their conductivity. In addition, numerical simulation was performed using the experimental results in Abaqus package. Simulated results were found aligned with experimentation results.

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) modified thermoplastic-polymer based composite structures can be used as lightweight, damping, high strength, and tribo-elements in food processing machinery where traditional single materials become unproductive. In the present research work, novel GNPs modified polyamide 66/thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (PA 66/TCE) composite reinforced with short carbon fibres were developed. The possible structural changes of the materials by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) technique and the wear performance of the fabricated composites were investigated in adhesive wear and abrasive wear modes. Adhesive wear test was carried out at 1000, 3000, and 5000 m sliding distances and 50 N applied load and at 2 ms−1 sliding velocity. In case of abrasive wear, tests have been conducted at 300, 450, and 600 m abrading distances and at an applied normal load of 20 N using 425 µm silica sand particles as abrasives. For the GNPs modified PA 66/TCE hybrid composites used in this investigation, the friction coefficient increases with an increase in sliding distance and the specific wear rate decreased with an increase in sliding distance. Furthermore, superior wear performance was observed in 3 wt% GNPs modified PA 66/TCE hybrid composite. However, under three-body abrasion, the specific wear rate decreases with increase in abrading distance and the superior abrasion resistance were found in 1 wt% GNPs modified PA 66/TCE hybrid composites. Finally, the microscopy indicated significant differences in the wear mechanisms in each adhesive and abrasive wear modes.

Heat dissipation plays progressively more significant role in several fields such as high-density gadgets, airplane microelectronics devices, advanced space crafts, thermal power plants, turbo-charger, due to the swiftly increasing thermal loads affects the reliability of components and limits its life span. With high stiffness, strength and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), carbon fiber strengthened polymer composites have been broadly utilized in numerous engineering applications. Therefore, in the current material investigation, thermal characterizations were made on polyethersulfone (PES) material compounded with short carbon fiber (SCF) by four different weight fraction via 0, 10, 20 and 30 wt%. Specific heat (cp) was determined through differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermal conductivity was measured by transient line heater method. Specific heat of PES/SCF composites decreased and conductivity was increased with the higher loading of SCF. Thermal diffusivity was in turn computed by using the relation between specific heat and thermal conductivity. In addition, numerical analysis was performed in Abaqus finite element package to simulate the transient line heater method. Temperature profiles of the composites extracted by numerical simulation matched with that of experimental temperature profile.

This study aims at studying the dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric properties of boron carbide (B4C) filled carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy composites (BC-CF/Ep composites) using the wet lay-up process assisted by vacuum bagging technique. The B4C fillers were used in varying filler weight percentages (1%, 3% and 5%) in the different CF/Ep composites and are uniformly mixed in epoxy system through ultrasonification process and was used as the matrix. The Toray make bidirectional twill (2 × 2) woven T800CF was used as the reinforcing material. The Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) tests are conducted to study the dynamic capacity and thermal degradation behavior respectively. In the DMA, the storage modulus (E1), loss modulus (E11), damping behavior (Tanδ) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of CF/Ep composite specimens are studied with increasing temperature from (25–173)°C. The BC1% composites showed better storage modulus, loss modulus and damping factor, while unfilled CF/Ep and BC3% composites showed better Tg than other CF/Ep composites. As far as TGA is concerned, the BC1% composites exhibited better thermal stability than all other composites. The dynamic tests resulted in the trend of BC1% > unfilled CF/Ep > BC3% > BC5% composites. The TGA tests also followed the trend of BC1% > unfilled CF/Ep > BC3% > BC5% CF/Ep composites.

Poor mechanical properties and constraints on production presently limit the utilization of bio-based reinforcing agents to non-structural and structural automotive elements. The conjugation of natural fibre with volcanic rock fibre provides a way to improve the mechanical properties of composites over natural fibre alone. In this study, physico-mechanical properties of hybrid fibre (silk and basalt) reinforced epoxy composites were found by experimentation following acceptable ASTM standards. Hybrid composites were produced by combining silk/basalt fibres in the ratio of 50:0, 25:25 and 30:20, whereas overall weight fraction was maintained at 0.5. The experimental results showed that the performance of combined fibres were superior compared to that of silk fibre bolstered epoxy composites. Among the 2 varieties of hybrids, the silk/basalt (25:25 by weight ratio) combination offered the very best hardness, strength, modulus, and toughness to the epoxy matrix owing to the similar modulus and synergistic interaction between the two reinforcing fibres. The results also steered that the morphology and surface adhesion affected the strength of the hybrid composites. These observations give insight into the advantages of various fibre reinforcements to the mechanical performance of epoxy matrix which is considered to be brittle. The failure mechanisms and the adhesion between fibres and matrix were studied by analysing the photomicrographs of broken coupons.

Nanofillers can be considered as viable strengthening agent in solid form which can advance the different properties of polymeric materials with minor lessening in the density of composites. Nanofillers are getting model changes the field of material science and polymer based composites. A study on the bending behaviour and impact energy of plain weave bidirectional carbon fabric reinforced epoxy (CE) filled by titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is presented in this paper. Test coupons as per ASTM standards are prepared by simple hand lay-up stacking followed by hot pressing. Mechanical properties for instance flexural strength, modulus and impact energy absorbed are obtained through three-point bend test and Izod impact test following ASTM D790-17 and ASTM D 256–10 (2018) standards. The results showed that the combination of carbon fabric and nano-TiO2 achieved a significant improvement (around 35%) in impact energy of epoxy material. In terms of mechanical properties, flexural strength increased as the amount of nano-TiO2 increased, up to a critical point. The outcomes showed that very low loading (up to 1 wt%) of TiO2 enhances the CE composites resistance from bowing and impact loads. Overall, the nano-TiO2 is a more cost-effective inorganic filler to effectively improve the flexural properties and impact energy of CE composites. Moreover, the failure mechanism and fractographic features of the three-point bend test failed specimens were examined utilizing the scanning electron microscope.

This research article describes the results of nano-silica (nSiO2) filled epoxy (Ep) mono composites with different contents (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 3, and 5 wt.%) and carbon fabric-reinforced epoxy (CFE) with 1.5 and 3 wt.% of nSiO2 hybrid composites and their physical and mechanical properties characterized by different techniques as per ASTM standards. Mechanical mixing and sonication techniques were followed to disperse nSiO2 into Ep resin. Furthermore, the same nSiO2/Ep is reinforced with carbon fabric by hand lay-up followed by vacuum-bagging technique. The morphological features were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The properties of the Ep based mono and hybrid composites showed that the hardness, tensile strength/modulus, and flexural strength/modulus, as well as impact strength of the composites enhanced with nSiO2 wt.% up to 3 wt.% for mono and hybrid composites and decreased thereafter; suggesting that the beneficial properties ensued up to 3 wt.% nSiO2 content.

This research focuses on the static mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of carbon fibre epoxy (CF/Ep) composites filled with boron nitride (BN) micro-filler powder (BN-CF/Ep). The mechanical properties studied were tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength and hardness. The thermal properties studied were dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric analyses which were analysed through dynamic mechanical analyser and thermogravimetric analyser, respectively. The curing ability and dispersion of BN filler in the Ep and composites were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy. The tribological properties focused were three-body abrasion and dry sliding friction and wear conduct. Three-body abrasion tests were studied with silica sand of 212 µm particle size, 30 N load, 2.38 m s−1 sliding velocity and variable abrasive distances of 250 m, 500 m, 750 m and 1000 m. The dry sliding wear tests were performed using pin-on-disc (POD) wear experimental set-up with 60 N load, 3 m s−1 sliding velocity and variable sliding distances of 1000 m, 2000 m and 3000 m. The results followed the trend of BN1% > BN3% > BN5% composites in all mechanical properties. The carbon fabric reinforcement along with the BN-Ep matrix improved enormously all the mechanical properties except impact resistance. Further, it was exhibited that 1 wt% BN into CF/Ep prompts better mechanical properties with predominant damping capacity and thermal stability. Both the dry sand abrasive wear and POD test outcomes revealed that all BN-CF/Ep composites prompt predominant wear resistance. CF along with BN improves enormously the wear resistance with friction coefficient. Further, it was exhibited that 1 wt% BN into CF/Ep in both three-body abrasive and POD tests prompts better wear resistance. Generally speaking, it was presumed that BN-CF/Ep gracefully and successfully improved the mechanical, thermal and tribological properties and morphology of Ep for various mechanical, electrical components and load-bearing applications used in automotive and engineered applications.

Stir casting process is a prominent technique for the fabrication of aluminium matrix composites (AlMMCs). Regular feeding, two-step feeding, capsulate feeding, pre-melt feeding and double-layer feeding are different feeding methods used in stir casting technique. In this study, Al7075-MMCs reinforced with nano-sized Al2O3 are manufactured through five different feeding methods. The bonding between the matrix and ceramic interface, agglomeration of the particles and porosity are evaluated through scanning electron microscope. From the micro-structural characterization results, it is observed that double-layer feeding method ensures the better particle distribution and improved bonding between the Al7075 and Al2O3. Alumina particles of 50 nm size, 2.5 wt% are incorporated to the Al7075 matrix. The intensive porosity and high agglomeration are noticed in other methods. It is understood from the results that double-layer feeding technique is a promising route for producing the defect-free Al7075-MMCs. The density, micro-hardness, and tensile strength of the resultant composites are measured according to ASTM standards. Due to homogenous particle distribution, the ultimate tensile strength is increased from 280 to 387 MPa, which is 38% higher than Al7075. The yield strength of the composite is increased from 140 to 198 MPa. The micro-hardness is increased from 661 to 878 MPa.

An investigation has been made of the dry slithering wear and two-body abrasive wear (2-BAW) performance of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) loaded up with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and copper nanoparticles (n-Cu). Tribological tests were carried out utilizing a pin-on-disc test rig employing EN32 steel and SiC emery paper as counterparts against UHMWPE composite glued to a circular pin, under different test circumstances. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was expended to dissect the morphologies of chosen worn surfaces. The configurations of friction coefficient (µ), weight reduction and explicit wear rate (Ks) were assessed in adhesive wear-mode and the Ks in the event of multi-pass 2-BAW mode under various dissociate/masses. It has been demonstrated that inclusion of exceptionally little extents (0.1 and 0.5 wt%) of nano-fillers has resulted in significant improvement in the slithering wear performance. Moreover, 1-D filler (CNTs) diminished the contact surface, advanced the exchange of UHMWPE and diminished the interlocking and furrowing of the composite from the steel partner, which added to the reduction of both Ks and µ. UHMWPE loaded up with 0.5 wt% CNTs has outpaced the material system in the study group in tribological properties. Abrasive wear assessment revealed that the UHMWPE composites demonstrated diminished Ks with expanding abrading distance and coarseness of SiC emery paper. Further, UHMWPE/CNTs demonstrated good resistance to abrasion wear in contrast with unfilled UHMWPE and n-Cu filled UHMWPE composites.

In current research work, influence of nano-calcium carbonate (N-CaCO3) with different filler loading (1, 3 and 5 wt%) on the mechanical behavior and thermal stability of pineapple fibre reinforced epoxy (PF/Ep) composites were considered. Hand lay-up method and ultra-sonication method were used for the fabrication of agglomeration-free composite slabs. Test results showed that upon incorporation of N-CaCO3 up-to 3 wt% enhanced the tensile, flexural properties and fracture toughness. Impact test results also showed an improvement in impact strength of N-CaCO3 filled PF/Ep composites at 1 wt%. Thermal stability of PF/Ep composites was analyzed using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and the data showed that the thermal stability of N-CaCO3 filled PF/Ep composite was better when compared to unfilled PF/Ep composites.

The polymer blend of polyamide 66 and high density polyethylene (PA66/HDPE) (70/30 wt. %) was selected for the study. The polymer blend was reinforced with 20 and 25 wt. % short basalt fibers (SBFs). Blend reinforced with 25wt. % SBFs was further loaded with 5 and 10wt. % zirconia (ZrO2) to study the positive hybrid effect. The physical properties such as density, void content and hardness of the composites were determined along with the mechanical properties such as tensile and impact as per the ASTM standards. Lastly, the fractured surfaces of specimens were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM).

The main aim of this study was to get a better knowledge of mechanical properties of carbon fabric reinforced epoxy (CF/Ep) composites. The selected mechanical properties of the CF/Ep composite with different fiber architectures (T300CF/Ep, T700CF/Ep and T800CF/Ep) are investigated for indentation, in-plane, tensile and bending loads. All composites were fabricated with equal weight percentage of carbon fiber and similar consolidation process using hand layup procedure followed by compression moulding method. Experimental results showed that the effect of fiber weave structure on mechanical properties of the CF/Ep composites is more obvious than that in neat epoxy. Both tensile and flexural results showed that high strength carbon fiber (T800) has evident strengthening effects on the tensile and bending load response of CF/Ep composites. The fiber architecture marginally affects the density and severely affects strength and deformation of composites. T300CF/Ep and T800CF/Ep composites are nearly linear up to final brittle fracture while T700CF/Ep system exhibit non-linearity before failure. Furthermore, it is seen that composite performance is dictated by inherent properties of carbon fiber and weaves structure. Even with fiber flaws, stress concentrations, the weaving pattern is beneficial because it makes composites to be very less subtle to flaws. These characteristics are addressed systematically with consideration of numerical aspects of fibers strength and critical defects formation. The significant developments in the mechanical properties of composite systems are further assisted using scanning electron microscopy

Present research examination focuses on the surface morphology; mechanical properties and wear conduct of Al-7075 metal matrix composites reinforced with alumina and hexagonal boron nitride fillers. Particulate reinforced Al-7075 metal matrix composites were manufactured following the two step stir casting method with differing the weight percentage (2.5 and 5) of reinforcement. Uniform dispersion of alumina and hexagonal boron nitride in pure alloy was verified by optical microstructure. The fabricated samples were subjected to abrasion using dry sand rubber wheel abrasive wear test rig by varying the abrading distance and the applied normal load. Silica sand of particle size 350–400 µm was used as abrasive medium. Mechanical and dry sliding wear test results indicated that both alumina and hexagonal boron nitride fillers show improved mechanical properties and wear resistance. From the abrasive wear test results, it was recognized that the wear resistance of composites is increased by increasing the weight percentage of reinforcements and the reinforced composite gave better resistance against abrasion than the control sample (Al-7075). Further, it was adjudicated that 5 wt% micro hexagonal boron nitride reinforced Al-7075 composite prompts predominant abrasion resistance. Finally, it was presumed that hexagonal boron nitride and alumina fillers gracefully and successfully improved morphological, mechanical, and also the wear properties of Al-7075 alloy for various engineered load-bearing applications.

This research work based on carbon fiber epoxy (CF/Ep) composites shows the effect of Boron carbide B4C filler on mechanical properties using a hand layup procedure followed by the vacuum bagging process method. The boron carbide fillers were uniformly dispersed in epoxy resin and used as matrix material. The weight percentage of (B4C) filler material in the composite was varied and mechanical properties were obtained with microfiller. The T800CF/Ep composites with 1%wt., 3%wt. and 5%wt. B4C fillers were taken for evaluating the mechanical properties. All composites were fabricated with an equal weight percentage of carbon fiber and a similar consolidation process. The mechanical properties like tensile properties, flexural properties, Interlaminar shear strength, impact strength and hardness are studied to know how the mechanical response of composite structures varies with filler addition. Testing followed the trend of 1%wt. > 3%wt. > 5%wt. of B4C in all mechanical properties of B4C filled CF/Ep composites. Tensile strength of 1%wt. B4C filled composites were better than basic CF/Ep composites whereas 3%wt. & 5%wt. B4C filled composite values were lower. The tensile modulus of all the B4C filled composites was better than basic CF/Ep composites. Flexural properties of 1%wt. and 3%wt. B4C filled composites were better than basic CF/Ep composites whereas 5%wt. B4C filled composite values were lower. Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of 1%wt. B4C composites gave better results whereas 3%wt. and 5%wt. B4C filled composites gave lower results. The impact energy of all composites gave lower values than basic CF/Ep composites. Hardness values of all B4C filled composites were better than basic CF/Ep composites. The most important developments in the mechanical properties of composites are further supported by scanning electron microscopy.

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are novel nanofillers holding attractive characteristics, including vigorous compatibility with majority polymers, outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. In this study, the outstanding GNPs filler was reinforced to the epoxy matrix and carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composite slabs to enrich their mechanical properties. Graphene nanoplatelets of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 weight percentages were integrated into the epoxy and the physico-mechanical (microstructure, density, tensile, flexural and impact strength) properties were investigated. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of unfilled and 1 wt% GNPs filled carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composite slabs were investigated. Subsequently, noteworthy improvement in the mechanical properties was conquered for the carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composites.

This research paper based on bidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy composites (CF/Ep) shows the effect of fiber architecture on mechanical properties using a hand layup procedure followed by the vacuum bagging process method. The three different fiber architectures T800CF/Ep, T700CF/Ep and T300CF/Ep were chosen for studying the mechanical properties. All composites were fabricated with an equal weight percentage of carbon fiber and a similar consolidation process. The tensile properties, flexural properties, interlaminar shear strength, impact strength and hardness are studied to know how the mechanical response of composite varies with fiber architecture. Testing results showed that the effect of fiber weave architecture is more obvious in CF/Ep composites than in neat epoxy with regard to mechanical properties. Both tensile and flexural properties showed that T800CF/Ep composites have a very good strengthening effect on both tensile load response and bending load response of CF/Ep composites. The fiber architecture has less effect on the density and serious effect on the strength and deformation of CF/Ep composites. Inherent properties and weaves structure of carbon fiber (CF) dictated the performance of composites. Compared to Hand layup method, the Vacuum bagging method showed (2–6)%, (11–15)%, (5–6)%, (15–20)% and (1–3)% improvement in tensile strength, tensile/flexural modulus, ILSS, impact strength and hardness respectively whereas the flexural strength values were almost near to the former values Grunenfelder et al. (2017). The most important developments in the mechanical properties are further assisted by scanning electron microscopy.

Hybrid composites based on high-density polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride /ultra-high density HYPERLINK "https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/polypropylene" \o "Learn more about Polypropylene" polyethylene (HDPE/UHMWPE) loaded with short glass fiber (SGF) and zirconia (ZrO2) micron sized particles were fabricated by melt-mixing process and their physical and mechanical properties were determined. Physio-mechanical properties such as density, hardness, flexural properties and impact strength of these composites were studied. The presence of SGF and ZrO2 in the grafted HDPE/UHMWPE blend increased the hardness, bending strength and modulus. However, impact strength decreased with increase in ZrO2 loading. Further, it was found that the HDPE/UHMWPE blend with 25 wt. % SGF and 2.5 wt. %ZrO2 showed optimum mechanical properties due to improved fiber/matrix adhesion. Scanning electron microscope was used to identify the fractographic features of the selected fractured coupons.