Joining behavior of polymeric composites fabricated using agricultural waste as fillers

Abstract

The joining feasibility of natural fillers (wheat husk, rice husk and coir fiber) reinforced polymer composites has been studied. The different types of joints, i.e. adhesive joint (with and without hole), mechanically fastened, as well as hybrid joints (adhesive with riveting) have been analyzed in terms of their mechanical properties. The adhesive joints were found comparatively better in strength than adhesive joints with drilled hole. Anchorage effect of adhesive was found negligible in the drilled hole joint, and the joint failed at lower load due to the increase in stress concentration near the hole edge. At the same time, mechanical joining requires drilling of holes, which is still a challenging task in glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. The mechanical properties of the hybrid joints were found similar to adhesively bonded composites, but extension at the break in the hybrid joints was found higher than adhesively bonded joint (without hole).

Keywords:

• Natural fillers
• mechanical fastening
• adhesive joint
• polymer composites

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).