Abstract: Natural composite is a material, formed by combining natural fibers, such as hemp or flax, with a synthetic matrix, often composed of polymers like Epoxy Resin, Polyester Resin, Polyethylene Resin, Polypropylene Resin and Polypropylene Resin. The natural fibers contribute strength and environmental sustainability, while the synthetic matrix enhances durability and structural integrity, resulting a versatile composite material for various applications and unique properties of both components for improved overall performance. These composites are considered as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials due to the renewable nature of hemp and the recyclability of polypropylene. In the proposed invention, mechanical properties of natural composite laminate are improved without affecting its physical and chemical properties. 4 Claims & 3 Figures
Description:Field of the invention
The mechanical properties of the hemp fiber and polypropylene resin combine composite is improved and its mechanical properties is analysed by using ANSYS 2024R1.
Objectives of the invention
The objective of the invention is to enhance the strength and environmental sustainability of the natural composite, while the synthetic matrix enhances durability and structural integrity, resulting a versatile composite material for various applications and unique properties of both components for improved overall performance.
Background of the invention
Natural composites, especially those made of hemp fibers and polypropylene resin, have attracted a lot of interest lately because of their favorable mechanical characteristics and positive environmental effects. (Yan, L., Chouw, N., & Jayaraman, K. (2014). Flax fibre and its composites – A review. Composites Part B: Engineering, 56, 296-317). The Cannabis sativa plant yields hemp fibers, which are prized for their great tensile strength, stiffness, and biodegradability. In combination with polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer that is often used and recognized for its resilience to fatigue, the resultant composite material demonstrates an exceptional equilibrium between strength, lightweight, and sustainability. (Faruk, O., Bledzki, A. K., Fink, H.-P., & Sain, M. (2012). Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010. Progress in Polymer Science, 37(11), 1552-1596). Many studies have been conducted on the mechanical characteristics of composites made of hemp fiber and polypropylene. Studies demonstrate that the addition of hemp fibers to the composites results in improved tensile and flexural capabilities when compared to pure polypropylene. The overall mechanical performance is greatly influenced by the specific interfacial bonding between hemp fibers and the polypropylene matrix. Common techniques to optimize this interaction include chemical treatments of the fibers and surface changes. (Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z. Y., & Richardson, M. O. W. (2007). Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Composites Science and Technology, 67(7-8), 1674-1683). Composites made of hemp fiber and polypropylene have a wide range of expanding applications. These composites provide a lighter and more environmentally friendly substitute for conventional materials in the car industry where they are utilized to make dashboards, door trims, and interior panels. Their application in non-structural components like wall panels and insulation boards helps the building industry by enhancing thermal performance and lowering environmental impact. (John, M. J., & Thomas, S. (2008). Biofibres and biocomposites. Carbohydrate Polymers, 71(3), 343-364). Major vehicle manufacturers like Ford and BMW have taken the initiative to incorporate natural fiber composites into their vehicle production, which is a real-world example of how these composites are being used. This fits with the growing regulatory and customer need for environmentally benign materials, as well as reducing vehicle weight, which improves fuel efficiency. (Wambua, P., Ivens, J., & Verpoest, I. (2003). Natural fibres: can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics? Composites Science and Technology, 63(9), 1259-1264). In an effort to expand the range of applications for hemp fiber and polypropylene composites, research and development are still concentrated on improving their compatibility and performance. The quest for more environmentally friendly production techniques and lifecycle analysis highlights these materials' potential to support sustainable development in a variety of industries.
Description of Prior Art
The study of natural fiber composites, with a particular emphasis on hemp fiber and polypropylene resin, has a wealth of prior art that spans multiple decades of research and development.
Understanding the mechanical characteristics of natural fibers like hemp and their potential as reinforcements in polymer matrices was made possible by early research conducted in the 1980s and 1990s. These investigations looked into a number of topics, such as fiber morphology, surface treatment strategies, fiber extraction techniques, and composite manufacturing procedures. The high tensile strength and stiffness of hemp fibers make them potential reinforcement materials. Another important observation from this era is the significance of attachment between the fibers and the polymer matrix in getting the best mechanical performance.
The production and characterisation of hemp fiber-polypropylene composites saw major improvements in the 2000s. Researchers looked at cutting-edge processing methods to create composite materials with customized mechanical properties, like injection, extrusion, and compression molding. Techniques for surface modification, such as chemical and plasma treatments, have drawn interest because they strengthen and prolong the composite by strengthening the interfacial interaction between the fibers and the polymer matrix.
Additionally, study on the environmental sustainability of hemp fiber composites in comparison to conventional materials is included in the previous art in this subject. Studies using life cycle assessment (LCA) assessed how producing composites affected the environment by taking energy, resource, and greenhouse gas emissions into account. Greener manufacturing techniques have been implemented by a variety of businesses as a result of these studies, which provide insightful information about the environmental advantages of using natural fibers like hemp in composite materials.
All things considered, a long tradition of scientific research and technical advancement is represented in the prior art regarding the mechanical characteristics of hemp fiber and polypropylene resin composites. It serves as the basis for modern research, which aims to enhance these materials' performance, sustainability, and suitability for a wide range of industrial applications.
Summary of the invention
By using computational analysis as a sophisticated tool, we are able to forecast the performance of the hemp fiber and polypropylene composite without the need to create physical prototypes. This helps us create a material with the best possible strength, durability, and environmental friendliness while also saving time and resources. It helps us make more informed and environmentally friendly decisions by providing a glimpse into the future of materials. Conducting practical studies would be beneficial for future research in order to verify our computational results and the hemp fiber and polypropylene composite's real-world performance. To confirm the accuracy of our forecasts, this may entail producing prototypes and putting them through various tests.
Detailed description of the invention
Understanding how these materials might be combined to make strong, lightweight, and environmentally friendly composites is the goal of this collaborative study on the mechanical characteristics of hemp fiber and polypropylene resin composites. An economical and effective method of doing materials research is to use the ANSYS 2024R1 program for computational analysis, which enables an extensive analysis of the possible performance of these composites without the requirement for actual manufacture.
The primary objective of the project is to use computational analysis to understand the mechanical properties of composites consisting of hemp fiber and polypropylene resin. Hemp fibers are perfect for reinforcing polymer matrices because of their high tensile strength, stiffness, and biodegradability. They are obtained from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. Because of its resilience and tolerance to fatigue, polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that is very versatile and often used. By combining these components, a composite that combines mechanical strength, lightweight qualities, and environmental sustainability is intended to be produced.
The Cannabis sativa plant produces hemp fibers, which are well-known for their high tensile strength, stiffness, and biodegradability. One common thermoplastic polymer that is used extensively is polypropylene (PP), which has good fatigue resistance and durability. Hemp fibers and polypropylene resin combine to create a composite material that maintains a balance between sustainability, low weight, and strength. This combination is especially desirable for the automobile and construction industries, where there is a rising need for environmentally sustainable materials that may decrease weight and increase fuel economy.
The hemp fiber and polypropylene resin composite is subjected to a detailed computational analysis in this work using the ANSYS 2024R1 program. With ANSYS, researchers may effectively perform finite element analysis (FEA) by modelling and simulating the mechanical behaviour of composite materials under a range of situations. The project intends to use this program to predict the performance of the composite material in real-life situations, including failure mechanisms, deformation, and stress distribution.
In this work, the ANSYS 2024R1 program is used to do an extensive computational analysis on the hemp fiber and polypropylene resin composite. Researchers may model and simulate the mechanical behaviour of composite materials under various conditions with ANSYS, providing them to conduct finite element analysis (FEA) with effectiveness. With the use of this tool, the team hopes to predict how the composite material would behave in actual situations, including failure modes, deformation, and stress distribution.
According to preliminary findings from the computational study, the mechanical properties of the hemp fiber-polypropylene composite are much better than those derived from pure polypropylene. Hemp fibers give the composite additional rigidity and tensile strength, which makes it more suitable for load-bearing applications. The simulations additionally illustrate how important interfacial bonding is between the matrix and the fibers. Improvement of load transfer and overall composite strength can be achieved by means of surface treatments or chemical changes that improve interfacial adhesion.
The research's conclusions have important significance for a number of businesses. Hemp fiber-polypropylene composites have an opportunity to help the automobile industry produce lighter, more fuel-efficient cars. Natural fiber composites are already being used in the interior panels, dashboards, and door trims of some of the biggest automakers, including Ford and BMW. These composites offer improved thermal performance and less environmental impact when utilized in non-structural parts like wall panels and insulation boards in the construction industry.
The sustainability of hemp fiber-polypropylene composites in the environment is one of the primary reasons for this research. According to life cycle evaluations (LCAs), these materials are less harmful to the environment than pure polypropylene and conventional composites. Because hemp fibers are biodegradable, using them reduces the environmental impact of hemp's scraps and reduces demand on fossil fuels. Because of these qualities, hemp fiber-polypropylene composites are an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Even if the computational analysis offers useful information, confirmation by experiment of the results should be the primary objective of future research. To validate the computational results, the composite materials will be physically manufactured and tested. The effects of various surface treatments and fiber changes on the mechanical properties of the composites might also be investigated in more detail. The broad acceptance of these materials will also depend on improving the processing methods and broadening the scope of applications.
The environmental sustainability of hemp fiber-polypropylene composites is a major advantage. Studies on life cycle analysis (LCAs) indicate that these composites are less harmful to the environment than conventional materials. Utilizing hemp fibers that are sustainable helps to minimize carbon footprints and reduces demand on non-renewable resources.
The study on composites made of hemp fiber and polypropylene resin, supported by computational analysis with ANSYS 2024R1, shows how these materials can be used to suit the needs in current sectors that require composites that are durable, lightweight, and sustainable. This study leads to a more sustainable and effective material landscape by laying the groundwork for future innovations and applications by offering a thorough understanding of the mechanical behavior of these composites. The research highlights how crucial interfacial bonding is and how volume percentage and fiber orientation affect the performance of the composite. Utilizing the advantages of polypropylene resin and hemp fibers, these composites can satisfy the needs of contemporary businesses looking for high-performing, environmentally friendly materials.
4 Claims & 3 Figures
Brief description of Drawing
In the figures shown are analyses implementation of the research.
Figure 1 Rectangular stiffened plane panel of (a) Panel with dimensions and (b) Loading conditions and (c) Symmetric boundary conditions
Figure 2 Acp Analysis simulation for Deformation (a) maximum deformation resulting from pressure or load is indicated by the red color (b) thin plate directed deformation orientation as X axis is depicted and (c) thin plate directed deformation orientation as Y axis using Ansys is depicted
Figure 3 Acp Analysis simulation for Stresses (a) Figure 7. maximum shear stress resulting from pressure or load is indicated by the red color (b) the normal stress (x component) provided for the plane panel (c) maximal stress intensity caused by is pressure or load
Detailed description of the drawing
As described above the present research relates to composites are considered as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials due to the renewable nature of hemp and the recyclability of polypropylene.
Examine a thin, rectangular, stiffened plane panel with dimensions of 1000 mm in width, 2000 mm in length, and 10 mm in thickness, as depicted in the figure 1 as indicated in figure 1, the plane panel's left edge is fixed, and loads are given to its top and right edges.
The maximum deformation resulting from pressure or load is indicated by the red color in figure 2 of the thin plate total deformation utilizing the Ansys work bench. This maximum deformation is 20 Mpa W = 9.7578e5mm. If the X-axis is selected as the orientation for the direction deformation type, the deformation will differ somewhat from the total deformation as depicted in figure.
The thin plate directed deformation orientation as X and Y axis is depicted in figure 2(b) and 2(c) using Ansys. The maximum deformation resulting from pressure or load is indicated by the red color, and it is 15 Mpa Wxy = 3206mm (according to Ansys) and 15 Mpa Wyz = 1660.7mm (according to Ansys).
As seen in figure 3, the shear stress (xy component) is provided for the plane panel's top edge, right edge, and left edge fixed and applied load. The maximum shear stress resulting from pressure or load is indicated by the red color in Figure 3(a). Shear stress (xy component) using Ansys, and it is 15 Mpa txy= 7267.5 mm (from Ansys).
As seen in figure 3, the normal stress (x component) is provided for the plane panel's left edge fixed and applied load in the top edge and right edge. As depicted in figure 3(b) The highest normal stress resulting from pressure or load is indicated by the red color in the normal stress (x component) using Ansys. This value is 15 Mpa tx = 2.5179e5 mm (according to Ansys).
According to figure 3, the stress intensity is provided for the plane panel's left edge fixed and applied load in the top edge and right edge. The maximal stress intensity caused by pressure or load is indicated by the red color in Figure 3(c). Stress intensity using Ansys, and it is equal to 15 Mpa ti = 2.5179e5 mm (according to Ansys). , Claims:The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims:
Claim:
1. A method to improve the mechanical properties of natural composite comprising:
a) The hemp and polypropylene resin are used as major constituents in the natural composite laminate
b) The major constituents are selected based on their mechanical properties and compatibility with high-performance applications.
c) The hemp fibers are strong with exceptional tensile properties and polypropylene is resistant to wear and tear, ensuring the long life of materials
2. According to claim 1, the resin is lightweight, adding to its appeal in industries where weight is a critical factor and it is a thermoplastic, it can be molded and reshaped when heated, offering flexibility in manufacturing processes.
3. As per claim 1, a new computational framework is proposed for determining the mechanical properties of hemp fiber-polypropylene resin composites using ANSYS 2024R1 software.
4. According to claim 1, the hemp fibers is lightweight, which enhances their versatility. The hemp fiber is biodegradable, contributing to environmental sustainability.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202441049927-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
| 2 | 202441049927-OTHERS [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
| 3 | 202441049927-FORM-9 [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
| 4 | 202441049927-FORM FOR STARTUP [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
| 5 | 202441049927-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
| 6 | 202441049927-FORM 1 [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
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| 8 | 202441049927-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
| 9 | 202441049927-DRAWINGS [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |
| 10 | 202441049927-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [29-06-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-06-29 |