Experimental Analysis of Nature Fibres with Glassfibre Reinforced Composites

Experimental Analysis of Nature Fibres with Glassfibre Reinforced Composites

Praksh M1, Prakash R2, Veeramani S3, Karthikeyan A4

UG Scholar1, 2, Asst.Professor3, Asso Professor4, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Excel Engineering College,

Namakkal, Tamilnadu,India

Abstract: Composites play significant role as engineering material and their use has been increasing day by day due to their specific properties such as high strength to weight ratios, high modulus to weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. In present work, an attempt is made to hybridize the material using synthetic (glass) as well as natural fibres (Banana & Sisal), such that to reduce the overall use of synthetic reinforcement, to reduce the overall cost, and to enhance the mechanical properties. All composite specimens with different weight percentages of fibres were manufactured using hand lay-up process and testing was done by using ASTM standards. Experimental results revealed that hybridization of composite with natural and synthetic fibres shows enhanced tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. Sisal and Banana with Glass fibre composites are performing better for tensile strength (65.5 MPa). And this type of composite material are better for impact strength (1.1

1. withstand. The performance of these glass fibre composites is lower than that of the natural fibre, it has been used in many application which requires medium strength.

   Key Words: Sisal fibres, banana fibre, glass fibre mat and epoxy resin.

   1. INTRODUCTION

A composite material is made by combining two or more dissimilar materials. They are combined in such a way that the resulting composite material or composite possesses superior properties. Which are not obtainable with a single constituent material.

Fig 1.1 Fabrication of Composite material

The components do not dissolve or completely merge. They maintain an interface between each other and ad in concert to provide improved, specific or synergistic characteristics not obtainable by any of the original components acting singly. Bone is a simple example of a natural composite material having the best properties of its constituents. Bone must be strong and rigid; yet flexible enough to resist breaking under normal use. These requiste properties are contributed by its components. gives the required softness. The inorganic component, made up of

calcium phosphate, gives it the required strength and rigidity. The most common synthetic composite material is glass fibre reinforced plastics (GRP) which is made out of plastics and glass fibre.

Matrix

Matrix is also known as binder material. It (i) provides shape to the composite material, (ii) makes the composite material generally resistant to adverse environments and (iii) protects reinforcement material from adverse environments. The materials which constitute matrix of composite materials are plastics, metals, ceramics and rubber.

Fibres

The fibres are the load carrying members in the composite material.They are bonded together by using matrix material. Based on formation and the they are classified into two types.

1. Natural Fibre

   Natural fibres are used as conventional reinforcement materials. Natural fibres are low-cost fibres with low density and high specific properties. These are biodegradable and nonabrasive, unlike other reinforcing fibres. Natural fibres include those produced by plants, animals, and geological processes. They are biodegradable over time. The various types of natural fibres are sisal,banana,palm,bamboo,etc

2. Man-Made Fibres

   Man-made fibre,fibre whose chemical composition, structure, and properties are significantly modified during the manufacturing process. The chemical compounds from which man-made fibres are produced are known as polymers, a class of compounds characterized by long, chainlike molecules of great size and molecular weight. Some of the inorganic fibres are aramid,boron,carbon,glass,etc

   Resin

   The resins are used as the bonding material in the composite.The resins are chemical composition,which forms the adhesive bonding. The resin affects the physical properties, fabrication and ultimate properties of composite materials. Variations in the composition, physical state, or morphology of a resin and the presence of impurities or

   contaminants in a resin may affect handleability and processability, lamina/ laminate properties, and composite material performance and long-term durability.Primary Function is To transfer stress between reinforcing fibres and to protect them from mechanical and environmental damage.

   Banana fibre is a natural fibre with high strength, which can be blended easily with cotton fibre or other synthetic fibres to produce blended fabric & textiles..

   2. MATERIAL DETAILS

   In the fabrication of the composite material we used two organic fibre and one inorganic fibre.They are,

   • Sisal fibre

   • Banana fibre

   • Glass fibre

   • Epoxy resin

     1. Sisal Fibre

        Sisal fibre made from the large spear shaped tropical leaves of the Agave Sisal and plant. Sisal fibre is extracted by a process known as decortications, where leaves are crushed and beaten by a rotating wheel set with blunt knives, so that only fibres remain.

        Fig 2.1 Sisal fibres

        Physical property	Sisal fibre
        Density (kg/m3)	1350
        Elongation at break (%)	2-3
        Cellulose content (%)	63-64
        Tensile strength (MPa)	54
        Youngs modulus (GPa)	3.4878
        Lumen size (mm)	5

        Table 2.1 Physical properties of sisal fibre

     2. Banana Fibre

        Different parts of banana trees serve different needs, leaves as food wrapping, and fibre and paper pulp. Banana fibre is a multiple celled structure. The lumens are large in relation to the wall thickness. Cross markings are rare and fibre tips pointed and flat, ribbon like individual fibre diameter range from14 to 50 microns and the length from 0.25 cm to 1.3 showing the large oval to round lumen.

        Fig 2.2Banana Fibre

        Physical property	Banana fibre
        Density(gms/cc)	1.35
        Elongation (%)	1-3.5
        Cellulose content (%)	65/5
        Elastic Modulus (GPa)	8-20
        Volume Resistivity ( cm x 105)	6.5-7

        Table 2.2 Physical property of banana fibre

     3. Glass Fibres

        Over 95% of the fibres used in reinforced plastics are glass fibres, as they are inexpensive, easy to manufacture and possess high strength and stiffness with respect to the plastics with which they are reinforced. Their low density, resistance to chemicals, insulation capacity are other bonus characteristics.

        Fig 3.3 Glass fibres

        Properties	Glass fibre
        GSM	360 gsm
        Orientation	plain-woven fabric
        UTS	40 Gpa
        Modulus	1.0 Gpa
        Density	3.3 g/cc

        Tble 3.3 Physical properties of Glass fibre

     4. Epoxy Resin

     Epoxy is a general description of a family of polymers which are based on molecules that contain epoxide groups. An epoxide group is an oxidant structure, a three-member ring with one oxygen and two carbon atoms.

     Fig 2.4 Epoxy resin

     Epoxies are used widely in resins for prepares and structural adhesives. The advantages of epoxies are high strength and modulus, low levels of volatiles, excellent adhesion, low shrinkage, good chemical resistance, and ease of processing.Processing techniques include autoclave molding, filament winding, press molding, vacuum bag molding, resin transfer molding, and pultrusion. Curing temperatures vary from room temperature to approximately 350°F (180°C). The most common cure temperatures range between 250° and 350°F (120° and 180°C). The use temperatures of the cured structure will also vary with the cure temperature. Higher temperature cures generally yield greater temperature resistance. Cure pressures are generally considered as low pressure molding from vacuum to approximately 100 psi (700 kPa).

3. FABRICATION DETAILS

   1. Preparing The Mold

      Remove any dust and dirt from mold. The mold is of new fibreglass was applied with soft wax and buff with soft towel. Spray or brush with PVA, parting compound and allow it to dry. The mold material is well-cured fibreglass, so apply three coats of hard wax, carnauba type, buffing between each coat.

      21cm

      27cm

      Fig3.1 Mold Specimen

      In this mold there are several orientation of fibre has been prepared for several testing and also to analysis which orientation is best for the tests like tensile, impact and flexural strengths. The hand lay-up process is used for fabrication.

   2. handlay-Upprocess:

      Figure 3.2 Hand lay-up process

      Hand lay-up technique is the simplest method of composite processing. The infrastructural requirement for this method is also minimal. First of all, a release gel is sprayed on the mold surface to avoid the sticking of polymer to the surface. Thin plastic sheets are used at the top and bottom of the mold plate to get good surface finish of the product. Reinforcement in the form of woven mats or chopped strand mats is cut as per the mold size and placed at the surface of mold after Perspex sheet. Then thermosetting polymer in liquid form is mixed thoroughly in suitable proportion with a prescribed hardener (curing agent) and poured onto the surface of mat already placed in the mold. The polymer is uniformly spread with the help of brush. Second layer of mat is then placed on the polymer surface and a roller is moved with a mild pressure on the mat-polymer layer to remove any air trapped as well as the excess polymer present. The process is repeated for each layer of polymer and mat, till the required layers are stacked. After placing the plastic sheet, release gel is sprayed on the inner surface of the top mold plate which is then kept on the stacked layers and the pressure is applied. After curing either at room temperature or at some specific temperature, mold is opened and the developed composite part is taken out and further processed. The schematic of hand lay-up is shown in figure 3.2. The time of curing depends on type of polymer used for composite processing. For example, for epoxy based system, normal curing time at room temperature is 24-48 hours.

      Materials used
      Matrix	Epoxy, polyester, polyvinyl ester, phenolic resin, unsaturated polyester, polyurethane resin
      Reinforcement	Glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, natural plant fibers (sisal, banana, nettle, hemp, flax etc.) (all these fibers are in the form of unidirectional mat, bidirectional (woven) mat, stitched into a fabric form, mat of randomly oriented fibers)

      Table 3.1 Raw materials used in hand lay-up method

   3. Applying The Gel-Coat

      The gel-coat is to be brushed on the layers from 1 to 10 layers, allow first coat to cure and then apply the second coat to make sure there are no light spots. When gel-coat has cured long enough that your fingernail cannot easily scrape it free (test at edge of mold where damage will not show on part) then proceed with next step.

   4. Lay-Up Skin Coat

      Natural (sisal and banana) and Glass fibre mats of dimension 270×210 mm are cut from the big roll. Brushes catalysed resin over gel-coat, and then apply the mat. Work with roller adding more resin where necessary until all white areas in mat fibres have disappeared and all air bubbles have escaped. Resin-rich areas weaken the part. Where rollers will not reach, brushes must be used. When this step is complete clean all tools in acetone. Allow skin coat to cure before next step.

   5. Reinforcement Of Natural And Glass Fibers

      Apply each layer as in step 3, but it will not be necessary to wait for curing between these layers. Be sure to shake all acetone out of brushes and rollers before applying resin. Acetone drips can result in uncured spots in the lay-up.

   6. Trim

      The natural (sisal and banana) and glass fibre laminate which hangs over the edge of the mold can be trimmed off easily with razor knife on the trim stage, of the period after the lay-up has gelled but before it has hardened.

   7. Cure

   It take time for curing from 24 hours to 48 hours, depending upon turnover desired, temperature, canalization, and nature of the part. In a female mold, longer cure will affect shrinkage and easier parting. In the case of the male mold, the part comes off more easily before it shrinks appreciably.

   machine make FIE (Model: UTN 40, SNo, 11/98- 2450) at room temperature (303K). The test was carried out using a universal testing machine at a room temperature with 40% relative humidity. The tensile stress is recorded with respect to increase in strain. The specimen was placed in the grip of the tensile testing machine and the test is performed by applying tension until it undergoes fracture. The corresponding load and strain obtained are plotted on the graphs.

   4.2 Flexural Test

   The Flexural testing commonly known as three- point bending testing is performed on the same tensile testing machine as per the ASTM: D790 Standards. Composite specimens of dimensions 130 × 12 × 4mm in fig 4.2.Specimen were horizontally placed on two supports and load was applied at the centre. Flexural modulus could be found by the ratio of stress to strain in the flexural deformation.

4. TESTING METHODS

   The main objective is to determine the material properties (Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, and Impact Strength) of natural fibre reinforced composite material by conducting the following respective tests.

   • Tensile Test

   • Flexural Test

   • Impact Test

     4mm

     12mm

     130mm

     4.1 Tensile Test

     The fabricated composite is cut using a saw cutter to get the dimension of the rectangular specimen for tensile testing as per ASTM: D638 standards.

     Composite specimens of dimensions 165 × 19 × 4mm in fig 4.1.Specimen were placed in the grips and were pulled at a speed of 5mm/min until failure occurred.

     Fig 4.2 Flexural test specimens

     It determines the tendency of the material to bend. In the 3 point testing of the material the flexural strength could be found out by secant method where initial strain point is zero. It is expressed in MPa.

     4mm

     19mm

     165mm

     4.3 Impact Test

     The impact specimen is prepared according to the required dimension following the ASTM-A256 standard. Composite specimens of dimensions 63.5 × 12.7 × 3.2 mm in fig 4.3.Specimen were placed in vertical position and hammer was released to make impact on specimen and CRT reader gives the reading of impact strength.

     Fig 4.1 Tensile test specimens

     The strain gauge as used to measure the displacement. The test is carried out in universal testing

     3.2mm

     12.7mm

     63.5mm

     Fig 4.3 Impact test specimens

     The test is carried out in Izod test setup. During the testing process, the specimen must be loaded in testing machine and allows the pendulum until it fractures or breaks. Using the impact test, the energy required to break the material can be measured easily and can be used to measure toughness of the material and the yield strength.The energy measured would be in Joules.

5. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

   1. Flexural Test

      The composite samples are tested in the universal testing machine (UTM) in fig 5.1 and stress-strain curve is plotted.The typical graph generated directly from machine for flexural test for Sisal, Banana and Glass composite sample specimens testing.

      And plotted graphs for Graph 5.1,5.2,5.3 and

      Fig 5.1 Flexural load comparison of diffecomposite Specimens

      Flexural properties of different composite samples are tested and results are plotted. The results indicate that theultimate flexural strength for the composite with sample 3 specimen is higher than the other composite with sample 1,2 and 4 specimens.

      Graph 5.1 flexural test on Graph 5.2 Flexural test on sample 1Specimen sample 2 Specimen

      Graph 5.3 Flexural test on Graph 5 .4 Flexural test on sample 4Specimen sample 3Specimen

      The composite sample specimen testing and flexural load reading given in table 5.1. The readings are taken from the UTM machine. Given specimens are withstand maximum flexural strength.

      Sample specimen	CS Area [mm2]	Peak Load [N]	Flexural strength [MPa]	Flexural Modulus [GPa]
      1	144.000	221.108	12.092	4.947
      2	144.000	271.276	14.835	52.208
      3	144.000	306.023	16.736	223.069
      4	144.000	251.646	13.762	18.727

      Summary Report

      Sample Specimen	CS Area [mm2]	Peak Load [N]	Flexural Strength [MPa]	Flexural Strength [GPa]
      Min	144.0	221.108	12.092	4.947
      Max	144.0	306.023	16.736	223.069
      Avg	144.0	262.513	14.356	74.738
      Std Dev.	0.000	35.602	1.947	100.859
      Variance	0.000	1267.467	3.791	10172.567
      Median	144.00	261.461	14.299	35.468

      Table 5.1 Flexural test values on UTM machine

      The Specimens are withstanding maximum flexural load and its flexural values taken from given graphs 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4.

   2. Tensile Test

      The composite samples are tested in the universal testing machine (UTM) in fig 5.2 and the stress-strain curve is plotted. The typical graph generated directly from the machine for tensile test for composite specimen samples is presented in Graph 5.5.The composite sample specimen tensile strength to withstand maximum load and its load shown in graph 5.5 and table 5.2.

      Fig 5.2 Tensile Strength comparison of different composite Specimens

      Graph 5.5 Tensile test for samplespecimens

      Sample Number	Tensile Strength (MPa)
      1	56
      2	74
      3	63
      4	69

      Table 5.2 Tensile test of different composite samples

   3. Impact Test

   4. Comparisons

      Comparisons between the flexural, tensile and impact strength are represented in graph 5.7.The specimen performing better tensile strength when compared to the flexural strength. Comparison between tensile strength and

      Graph 5.7 Comparison of Flexural and Tensilestrengthfor different

      For analysing the impact property of the different specimens an impact test is carried out. Impact test carried out for the present study is Izod impact test. The energy loss is obtained from the Izod impact machine. The impact response in Sisal, Banana and Glass fibre composites of Izod impact test is presented in fig 5.3. The resultsindicated that the maximum impact strength is obtained for sample 3 specimen of sisal, banana and glass fibre composites.

      Fig 5.3Impact load comparison of different composite Specimens

      Sample Number	Izod Impact Value for 7mm Thick specimen in J
      1	0.75
      2	0.95
      3	1.45
      4	1.25

      Table 5.3 Izod Impact test values

      From the tabular coloumn 5.3 shows that numerical values of four specimenImpact loads. Those are represented in joules. The thickness of the impact specimen is 7mm.

      Graph 5.6 Impact test for sample specimens

      Graph 5.8 Comparison of Impactstrength for different specimens

      flexural strength are shown in graph 5.7.Both of that are represented in (pa).From the graph 5.8 the maximum impact loads are withstanding 1.45j.

6. CONCLUSION

The sisal and banana with glass fibre hybrid composite specimens are prepared and subjected to tensile, flexural loading and impact strength. From the experiment, the following conclusions are derived.

• The sisal and banana with glass fibre composite samples possess good tensile strength and can withstand the strength up to 65.5 MPa.

• The composite specimen is withstanding the maximum flexural strength of 14.356 MPa.

• The composite specimen is withstanding the maximum impact strength of 1.1 J.

• From the results, it can be concluded that sisal and banana with glass fibre composites performing better for tensile loading.

• And this type of composite material are better impact strength for withstand.

• The performance of these glass fibre composites is lower than that of the natural fibre, it has been used in many application which requires medium strength.

REFERENCE

1. AmitBindal, Satnam Singh, N. K. Batra, and Rajesh Khanna (2013)- Development of Glass/Jute Fibers Reinforced Polyester Composite, Article ID 675264.

2. Arpitha G R, Sanjay M R, L LaxmanaNaik, B Yogesha (August- September 2014) – Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Based Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Sisal/SIC/Glass Fibers, Volume 2, Issue 5, ISSN 2091-2730.

3. Ashwani Kumar, Deepak Choudhary (Nov-Dec 2013) – Development of Glass/Banana Fibers Reinforced Epoxy Composite,ISSN: 2248- 9622, Vol. 3, Issue 6, pp.1230-1235.

4. Dr. M. Easwaramoorthi, S. Sathiyamoorthi (02 February 2015)- Fabrication and Experimental Investigation of Banana and Sisal Fibers, Volume 02 Issue.

5. GauravAgarwal, Amar Patnaik and Rajesh Kumar Sharma (2008)- Thermo-mechanical properties of silicon carbide-filled chopped glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, 10.1186, Article ID 6695-5-21.

6. PatilDeogonda, Vijaykumar N Chalwa (December 2013)- Mechanical Property of Glass Fibre Reinforcement Epoxy Composites, ISSN (Online): 2347-3878, Volume 1 Issue 4.

7. M.Sakthivel, S.Ramesh (July 2013)- Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre (Banana, Coir, Sisal) Polymer Composites, Vol-1, Issue-1.

8. Shrikant M. Harle (2013) An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites, Adv. Mat. Lett.,4(7), 567-572.

9. R Velmurugan& V Manikandan (December 2005) Mechanical properties of Glass/Palmyra Fibre Waste Sandwich Composites, Vol. 12, pp. 563-570.

10. H.Venkatasubramanian, C.Chaithanyan, Dr.S.Raghuraman, and T. Panneerselvam (January 2014)- Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Abaca-Glass-Banana Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Composites, Vol. 3, Issue 1.

NCRAIME-2015 Conference Proceedings