Mechanical characteristics of optimized alkali-treated Similax Zelanica/glass fiber/nanosilica composites in an epoxy matrix: An experimental investigation and numerical study

IF 2.3 4区工程技术 Q2 ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering Pub Date : 2024-07-23 DOI:10.1177/09544089241264180

E Sivakumar, K K Saju

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The demand for environmentally conscious materials has led the research on natural fiber composites as an alternative to synthetic materials in various industries. This study focuses on the optimization and preparation of alkali-treated Similax Zelanica/glass fiber and nanosilica-reinforced epoxy composites. The weight % of Similax Zelanica/glass and nanosilica was optimized using the grey relational analysis (GRA) multiparameter optimization technique and DOE of L9 orthogonal was used. Mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, impact, rock well hardness, and dynamic mechanical analysis were evaluated. Results indicate that increasing fiber volume fraction up to 30% enhances mechanical properties, with subsequent declines beyond this threshold. Tensile strength peaked at 30% fiber volume (75 MPa), while flexural strength also peaked at 30% substrate (140 MPa). The impact test showed a maximum of 1.84 kJ/m2 at 30% volume fraction. Maximum hardness of 85 RHN is observed for 30% S and 60% E specimens. Weibull distribution plots results, aligned well with the expected distribution pattern, indicating consistent and reliable mechanical behavior. Water absorption rates increase with fiber volume percentage increase, but optimal alkali treatment improves, absorption resistance to some extent. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals reduced glass transition temperature Tg (97° C) for composite due to their better interaction nature between fiber/silica nanoparticles and matrix. Further characterization reveals thermal stability (374°C), crystalline properties (crystalline index: 56.87%, crystalline size: 21.23 nm), and functional group composition. Numerical analysis using ANSYS validates experimental results, giving confidence in repeatability. Scanning electron microscope analysis confirms good interfacial bonding, crack propagation details, and absence of impurities in the composite. These results like Mechanical properties, thermal stability, crystalline properties, and functional group composition of the composite confirm its suitability for various applications.

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环氧基质中经优化碱处理的 Similax Zelanica/玻璃纤维/纳米二氧化硅复合材料的力学特性：实验调查和数值研究

对环保材料的需求促使人们对天然纤维复合材料进行研究，以替代各行各业的合成材料。本研究的重点是优化和制备碱处理的泽兰/玻璃纤维和纳米二氧化硅增强环氧树脂复合材料。采用灰色关系分析（GRA）多参数优化技术和 L9 正交 DOE 方法优化了泽兰草/玻璃纤维和纳米二氧化硅的重量百分比。对拉伸、弯曲、冲击、岩井硬度和动态力学分析等力学性能进行了评估。结果表明，纤维体积分数增加到 30% 会提高机械性能，超过这一临界值后，机械性能会随之下降。拉伸强度在纤维体积占 30% 时达到峰值（75 兆帕），而弯曲强度也在纤维体积占 30% 时达到峰值（140 兆帕）。冲击试验显示，体积分数为 30% 时的最大值为 1.84 kJ/m2。30% S 和 60% E 试样的最大硬度为 85 RHN。Weibull 分布图结果与预期的分布模式非常吻合，表明机械性能一致可靠。吸水率随纤维体积百分比的增加而增加，但最佳碱处理可在一定程度上提高抗吸水性。动态机械分析表明，由于纤维/二氧化硅纳米颗粒与基体之间的相互作用性质更好，复合材料的玻璃化转变温度 Tg（97° C）有所降低。进一步的表征显示了热稳定性（374°C）、结晶特性（结晶指数：56.87%，结晶尺寸：21.23 nm）和官能团组成。使用 ANSYS 进行的数值分析验证了实验结果，使人们对可重复性充满信心。扫描电子显微镜分析证实了良好的界面结合、裂纹扩展细节以及复合材料中无杂质。这些结果，如复合材料的机械性能、热稳定性、结晶性能和官能团组成，证实了其适用于各种应用。

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来源期刊

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering 工程技术-工程：机械

CiteScore

3.80

自引率

16.70%

发文量

370

审稿时长

6 months

期刊介绍： The Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed papers covering a broad area of mechanical engineering activities associated with the design and operation of process equipment.