Effect of Al2O3 nanoparticle on mechanical properties of polyester/ glass-wool fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

The need for strong, lightweight polymer composites constantly increases in the modern automobile, aviation, and defense sectors. Polyester resins are the predominant thermosetting polymers and are frequently utilized in various industries. E-glass fiber possesses significant qualities, including resistance to heat, chemicals, and moisture. Wool fibers were employed as reinforcement because of their accessibility and sustainability. A more comprehensive analysis is necessary to incorporate nanoparticles and the hybridization of different natural and synthetic fiber types, as seen in a composite composed of glass and wool fibers. In this research, polyester/wool-glass fiber with nano-alumina (Al₂O₃) particles at 2.0 wt% reinforced polymer composites (C0A-C5A) were made via hand layup and compression molding. The addition of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles on wool-glass fiber reinforced composites and its effect on properties and morphology were characterized using mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The analysis of nanoparticle dispersion and the resulting modifications to the composite structure were performed using X-ray diffraction. Adding nano alumina enhanced the tensile strength by 55 %, compressive strength by 38 %, flexural strength by 109 % and impact strength by 47 %. The higher tensile strength of 99.39 MPa, compressive strength of 102.51 MPa, flexural strength of 135.22 MPa and impact strength of 380.34 kJ/m² were found in (C1A) glass fiber with nano alumina mixed composites. These nanocomposites can enhance the composites' tensile, compressive, flexural and impact strength and are preferred for structural application in automotive and construction industries.