Examining the effects of UV radiation on the physical and tensile properties of TiO2 functionalized Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy composites

ABSTRACT

Kevlar fiber is a widely utilized fiber with applications in the aerospace, automotive, athletic, wind energy, medicinal, optical, and defensive fields. Kevlar fiber reinforced composites, unfortunately, are constrained in their development by weak interfacial adhesion with polymer matrix and fiber degradation in the presence of UV light. Both the polymeric epoxy matrix and the Kevlar fibers lose some of their mechanical qualities when exposed to UV radiation. Surface modification of the reinforcement fibers is one of the effective ways to improve the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced composites. In order to enhance the Kevlar fibers resistance to UV deterioration, the fiber was hydrothermally (HT) treated with UV absorber Titanium Dioxide – nano particles (TiO₂-np) after being acid functionalized with hydrochloric acid. The modified fibers and epoxy resin were combined during the compression molding process to fabricate the Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Composite (KFRC). The physical and chemical properties of modified KFRC before and after UV treatment were examined using UV-Visible and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Scanning Electron Microscope micrographs have evidenced that the TiO₂-np layer was successfully deposited onto the surface of the Kevlar fiber. It was also observed that after 180 hours of UV exposure, the average Young’s modulus of unmodified KFRC dropped by 21.9%.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Kevlar fiber
• mechanical properties
• surface modification
• Ultra violet radiation

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the Bannari Amman Institute of Technology for the technical and testing support.

Disclosure statement

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

Author contributions

Mr. Naveen R took part in the conceptualization, methodology, experimental testing, investigation, and writing draft copy. Dr. Kumar M was involved in the investigation, writing- review, editing, and supervision.

Data and code availability

All data underlying the results are available as part of the article and no additional source data are required.

Ethical approval

There are no experiments on human or animal in this research.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public and commercial.

Notes on contributors

Naveen R

Dr. Naveen R completed his Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Composite materials from Anna University, Chennai. His research interest in Composites materials is based on thermosetting resins and polymers which are used in aerospace applications.

Kumar M

Dr. M. Kumar, has completed his Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Tribology of composite materials and its characterization, being in materials research for a decade, he has published more than 45 quality research articles in International Journals and Conferences at NUS, IITs, NITs, AU, etc., and filed a patent of societal importance. He is a vibrant reviewer in reputed journals of Elsevier, SAGE, Hindawi, Scientific.net and IoP. An active member of professional societies viz. TSI and IEI. He has recently received a research grant from DST-SERB under TARE scheme for a worth of 18.30Lakhs, and his current interest of research is metal additive manufacturing of functionally graded materials.