Modelling, Analysis and Mechanical Properties of C.F with S.T. Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Natural fibre composites have piqued the interest of researchers because to its improved properties, affordability, and simplicity of supply. One such plant-based leaf fibre that hasn't been thoroughly investigated by the research community is Sansevieria trifasciata fibre. This fiber's cellulose content is over 80%, suggesting that it might be a viable substitute for synthetic fibre due to its potential to improve tensile strength and other qualities. This work's primary goal is to use matrix composites and the Sansevieria Trifasciata fibre     as possible reinforcement. Because it is inexpensive and simple to utilize, unsaturated resin is employed as a matrix.  The composite slabs are made by the compression moulding process. Under room curing temperature, composites with varying fibre lengths and fibre loadings (0% to 20% wt.) are made, and their mechanical properties are examined. Up to a certain weight percentage, the impact, flexural, and tensile strength of a matrix are improved by adding Sansevieria Trifasciata fibre as reinforcement; after that, the strength significantly declines with additional fibre addition. First, the    impact of weight percentage and fibre length on the mechanical characteristics of composites made by compression moulding at room temperature is presented.

The mechanisms for surface degradation, such as fibre pulling and separation, under tensile pressures of 15% STF and 20% STF. Because sansevieria trifasciata wets short fibre  composites, the polymer resin is weak. The treated fibre’s wax, lignin, and amorphous hemicelluloses content keeps the fibre from getting moist with the matrix. The fibres are forced out of the die by an applied tensile load. The fibres are pulled out of the matrix, creating the cavities. Less than 20 percent of STF fibres have faults and have more fibre ends when the percentage of fibers rises from 15 to 20 percent. Thus, 20% STF fibers are observed to have the greatest fibre recovery. The tensile strength decreases as the proportion of fibers rises to 20% because more fibre extraction takes place, leading to a comparatively larger cavity size and fibre tangling. It is assumed that the crucial proportion of fibers is 30% based on the tensile behaviour of the compounds.

This article analyzes the mechanical properties of hybrid plastic composites made of carbon fibre (CF) and Sansevieria trifasciata fibre (STF) through tensile testing, impact testing, and flexural testing. In addition to the five different STF fibre percentages (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20), percentages of carbon fibre (50, 45, 40, 35, and 30) were also used in the creation of the hybrid composite laminates. In reality, the production process was completed using a manual layup technique. The mechanical properties of sansevieria trifasciata fibre-reinforced composites are the subject of further investigation. The compression moulding process is used to create these composites. The optimal fibre length is 60 mm, and the ideal fibre weight percentage is 50% Epoxy + 30% CF + 20% STF% wt. The curing temperatures for these composites vary, ranging from 30 ⁰C to 150 ⁰C. The results are given, and Ansys was used to analyse the mechanical properties.