Characterization of Natural Hybrid Composites for Automobile Applications

Abstract

newlineComposite materials play a vital role in today s manufacturing world due to their light weight with reasonable strength. Selection of materials for composite manufacturing is a challenging issue. In order to overcome the weakness of particular characteristics of a fibre, several fibres are hybridized and composites are manufactured. Based on the objectives of the research work, a novel and eco-friendly polymer composite for automotive application is to be developed. newlineThe prime objective is to investigate and estimate mechanical, thermal and morphological characters of the pure and hybrid natural fibre reinforced epoxy composite by the addition of micro and nano powders. The experimental work has been planned - to study the eand#64256;ects of fibre orientation, to analyze the natural fibre and hybrid reinforcement, to study the eand#64256;ects of hybridization in composite materials, to estimate the mechanical characterization, thermal characterization and morphological characterization of the Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites. newlineThe present research work is carried out with fibres such as silk fibre, bamboo fibre and E-glass fibre. Epoxy resin is chosen as the matrix. Fillers used are coconut shell powder in micro form with 80-100 µm size and in nano form with 500 nm size. newlinePreparation of the specimens were done in the combination of micro powder, nano powder, epoxy resin, woven bamboo and silk fibre with two diand#64256;erent orientation such as newline0and#9702;/90and#9702; and ±45and#9702; and E-glass fibre with varying volume percentages. The required size for newline newlinemoulding box of 200 mm × 200 mm × 10 mm was prepared and wax polish is applied on the surfaces of the moulding box which acts as releasing agent. Epoxy resin of needed amount and Tri-ethylene-tetra amine hardener are mixed with varying proportions. The coconut shell powder is measured and added to the resin, then stirred well for fabricating the hybrid composites. newlineComposites have out-of-plane stiand#64256;ness, toughness and better strength, and easier handling in production when reinforced with woven fabric