Role of Silk Fiber Loading on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites

ABSTRACT

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 and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions generated by the manufacturing industries. In this study, silk fiber (Bombyx-mori) reinforced epoxy biocomposites were fabricated by hand layup method with different loadings of fiber and their physico-mechanical properties were studied following acceptable ASTM standards. The properties of the epoxy matrix were significantly enhanced with the silk fiber loading, displaying optimum properties at 50 wt. % silk fiber loading. The findings also led that morphology of silk fiber and surface adhesion with the epoxy matrix affects the properties of biocomposites. Such findings provide perspective into the benefits of fiber reinforcements to the physio-mechanical performance of the epoxy resin. The mechanism of failure and consequently the adhesion between fibers and matrix were analyzed by observing the photomicrographs of the damaged coupons.

摘要

研究人员建议在汽车和其他工程部件中使用轻质材料, 这已被证明是满足燃料效率需求和消除制造业产生的温室气体排放的潜在途径之一. 本研究采用手糊法制备了不同纤维负载量的蚕丝纤维增强环氧树脂生物复合材料, 并对其物理力学性能进行了研究. 在丝纤维负载量为50wt%时, 环氧树脂基体的性能得到显著提高. 研究结果还表明, 蚕丝纤维的形态和与环氧树脂基体的表面附着力影响生物复合材料的性能. 这些发现为纤维增强对环氧树脂物理机械性能的益处提供了前景. 通过观察损伤试样的显微照片, 分析了失效机理以及纤维与基体之间的粘附性.

关键词:

• 丝纤维增强生物复合材料
• 拉伸性能
• 弯曲性能
• 层间剪切强度
• 冲击强度
• 断裂学

KEYWORDS:

• Silk fiber reinforced biocomposites
• tensile properties
• flexural properties
• interlaminar shear strength
• impact strength
• fractography