Comprehensive investigation of mechanical and thermal properties of vetiver grass and red mud reinforced hybrid composites

ABSTRACT

The study deals with the mechanical and thermal characterization of novel composite consisting of vetiver grass fiber (Chrysopogon zizanioides) (VF) and red mud (RM) as reinforcement in epoxy resin. Five types of composites were fabricated using hand lay-up technique by varying the weight percentage (wt%) of vetiver grass and red mud. Various mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength, and flexural strength of the said composites were evaluated and discussed. The thermal properties in terms of thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) were evaluated whereas the chemical composition characteristics were analyzed using FTIR and XRD spectroscopy. The fractured surfaces of the tested specimens were studied using a scanning electron microscope. From the results, it was observed that properties of polymer composites were improved by hybridization with vetiver grass fibers and red mud. The improved mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites were noticed in increment of wt% of red mud. Highest tensile strength of 51.78 MPa, flexural strength of 35.92 MPa and impact strength of 29 KJ/m² was obtained for C5 composite which contains highest wt% of red mud. TGA shows better resistance to thermal degradation for the composites containing higher percentage of red mud. Looking at the results it can be concluded that the developed composites in this work can be an efficient alternative for building and automotive application which requires high strength and thermal stability.

摘要

研究了香根草纤维（VF）和赤泥（RM）在环氧树脂中增强复合材料的力学和热学性能. 通过改变香根草和赤泥的重量百分比（wt%），采用手工铺层技术制备了5种复合材料. 对复合材料的拉伸强度、冲击强度和弯曲强度等力学性能进行了评价和讨论. 用热重分析（TGA）对其热性能进行了评价，用红外光谱（FTIR）和x射线衍射（XRD）对其化学组成进行了分析. 利用扫描电子显微镜对试件的断裂面进行了研究. 结果表明，与香根草纤维和赤泥杂交可提高聚合物复合材料的性能. 纤维增强复合材料的力学性能随着赤泥质量分数的增加而提高. 赤泥质量分数最高的C5复合材料的拉伸强度为51.78mpa，弯曲强度为35.92mpa，冲击强度为29kj/m2. TGA表明，赤泥含量较高的复合材料具有较好的抗热降解性能. 从结果可以得出结论，在这项工作中开发的复合材料可以是一个有效的替代建筑和汽车应用，这需要高强度和热稳定性.

KEYWORDS:

• Vetiver fiber
• red mud
• thermosetting polymer
• mechanical properties
• thermal properties
• sem

关键词:

• 香根草纤维
• 赤泥
• 热固性聚合物
• 机械性能
• 热性能

Declaration of Interest: None