Description:PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBER AND E-GLASS FIBER REINFORCED HYBRID EPOXY MATRIX COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Field of Invention
The present invention pertains to producing a hybrid composite material utilising the Hand Lay-Up process and comparing the resulting mechanical characteristics through experimental analysis, with an emphasis on tensile and flexural strength.
Background of the Invention
The incorporation of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) into polymer composites as a reinforcing agent has garnered significant interest owing to its remarkable mechanical characteristics. PALF is obtained from the foliage of pineapple plants and is primarily composed of holocellulose, which is responsible for its exceptional properties. The distinctive characteristic of PALF renders it a compelling option for augmenting the robustness and longevity of composite materials. The amalgamation of PALF with other reinforcing fibres in hybrid composites has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in attaining a blend of desirable properties. The objective of researchers is to leverage the benefits of each component and surmount the constraints linked with individual fibres by amalgamating PALF with synthetic fibres or other natural fibres. The aforementioned methodology facilitates the development of composite materials that exhibit superior mechanical properties, heightened resilience to environmental stressors, and enhanced sustainability (US7879925B2). PALF-based composites offer a notable benefit in terms of weight reduction when compared to conventional synthetic fibre composites. The reduced weight of the object not only enhances fuel efficiency in various applications such as aircraft and automobiles but also mitigates the overall ecological footprint by decreasing energy consumption during operation (US9926654B2). Additionally, the utilisation of PALF as a sustainable and plentiful resource presents economic advantages, rendering it a feasible substitute for synthetic fibres in the manufacturing of composites. PALF-based composites possess sustainable properties in addition to their mechanical and economic benefits. PALF, as a natural fibre, possesses biodegradable properties and is considered to be environmentally sustainable. This attribute pertains to the increasing apprehension for environmentally conscious materials, in accordance with the worldwide emphasis on sustainable methodologies and waste reduction. The integration of PALF into composite materials has the potential to facilitate the advancement of environmentally friendly and enduring alternatives across diverse sectors, as per the findings of researchers.
Summary of the Invention
In light of the above mentioned drawbacks in the prior art, the present invention aims to comprehend the behaviour of PALF under diverse loading scenarios, examining appropriate processing methodologies, and exploring efficacious techniques for enhancing the fiber-matrix interface bonding, all with the aim of maximising its potential and optimising its performance in composite materials
A further specific objective of the invention is to augment the mechanical characteristics and overall efficacy of composites based on PALF, thereby broadening their utility across diverse industrial sectors.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures wherein:
Figure 1 Graphical representation of Tensile strength of the composite
Figure 2 Graphical representation of Flexural Strength of the composite
Figure 3 Graphical representation of ILSS of the composite
Detailed Description of the Invention
The study found that there was a positive correlation between the number of PALF layers and the tensile strength of the composites. The superior load-bearing capacity and overall strength of composites can be ascribed to the exceptional strength and stiffness characteristics of PALF. The enhancement of tensile strength is significantly influenced by the interfacial bonding existing between PALF and the polymer matrix (Figure 3). In addition, the incorporation of CaCO3 filler particles resulted in a notable enhancement of the tensile strength of the composite materials. The incorporation of filler particles results in an augmentation of the load-bearing capacity and a concomitant inhibition of crack propagation, leading to an overall increase in strength. Young's modulus is a fundamental physical property that characterises the elastic behaviour of a material. It quantifies the material's resistance to deformation when subjected to tensile stress, thereby serving as a measure of its stiffness. The introduction of PALF layers yielded a significant enhancement in the Young's modulus in comparison to the pure polymer matrix. The incorporation of PALF fibres into composites results in enhanced reinforcement and increased stiffness of the material. Furthermore, the incorporation of CaCO3 filler particles resulted in additional improvements in Young's modulus. The incorporation of filler particles into the polymer matrix confers a heightened level of rigidity to the composite material, thereby augmenting its overall stiffness. The term "Elongation at Break" pertains to the utmost level of deformation that a material can endure prior to experiencing a breakdown. Incorporation of PALF layers resulted in a marginal decrease in the elongation at break as compared to the unmodified polymer matrix. The decrease in elongation capability of the composites can be ascribed to the comparatively fragile characteristics of PALF.
Nevertheless, the integration of CaCO3 filler particles partially alleviated the decrease in elongation at break. The inclusion of filler particles serves as a stress-alleviating agent and facilitates the even distribution of stress, consequently enhancing the overall ductility of the composite materials. The findings suggest that the tensile properties of E-Glass-based polymer matrix composites are significantly impacted by the inclusion of PALF layers and CaCO3 filler particles. The tensile strength and stiffness of the composites were observed to be enhanced upon the addition of PALF layers. Furthermore, the incorporation of CaCO3 filler particles resulted in a further improvement of these properties. It is imperative to acknowledge that the ideal amalgamation of PALF layers and filler particle content necessitates meticulous determination to attain the targeted mechanical properties, while also taking into account the compromise between strength and ductility. Subsequent research endeavours may delve into diverse reinforcement configurations, diverse PALF orientations, and varying filler particle concentrations to further enhance the tensile characteristics of the composites. The aforementioned results hold significance for the advancement of lightweight and robust composite materials that are appropriate for a range of uses, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and structural engineering industries, where tensile characteristics are of paramount significance.
The flexural properties of the composites were significantly affected by the inclusion of PALF and CaCO3 filler particles, as evidenced by the results of the flexural test (Figure 4). The incorporation of PALF as a reinforcing agent resulted in enhanced flexural strength and stiffness in comparison to the matrix that was not filled. The observed phenomenon can be ascribed to the notable tensile strength and stiffness of PALF, which significantly bolstered the load-bearing capability and bending deformation resistance of the composites. Moreover, the flexural characteristics displayed a significant correlation with the quantity of layers of PALF reinforcement. The flexural strength and stiffness of the composites exhibited a proportional increase with the number of PALF layers. The observed behaviour can be ascribed to the amplified interaction between fibre and matrix, as well as the greater load transfer among the layers of PALF. This leads to an improvement in the effectiveness of reinforcement. The inclusion of CaCO3 filler particles in the composites exerted a noteworthy impact on the flexural properties. The incorporation of filler particles resulted in a notable enhancement in flexural strength and stiffness, predominantly attributed to the enhanced dispersion and interfacial adhesion between the filler particles and the matrix. The incorporation of filler particles served as a reinforcing agent, effectively filling the voids between the PALF layers and augmenting the overall mechanical characteristics of the composite materials. It is noteworthy that the flexural characteristics attained a maximum value at an optimal amalgamation of PALF layers and filler particle concentration. After reaching the optimum point, the flexural properties exhibited a tendency to either plateau or decline. The observed behaviour can be ascribed to various factors, including but not limited to, an overabundance of fiber-fiber interaction, saturation of the matrix, and clustering of filler particles. These factors can result in the formation of stress concentrations in localised regions, ultimately leading to a decrease in the overall performance of the composite material. The enhancements witnessed in the flexural characteristics of the composites can be ascribed to the cooperative outcomes of the PALF reinforcement and CaCO3 filler particles. The incorporation of PALF resulted in an increase in tensile strength and stiffness of the composite matrix. Furthermore, the addition of filler particles contributed to the enhancement of dispersion and interfacial bonding within the composite. In general, the outcomes of the flexural examination suggest that polymer matrix composites reinforced with PALF and CaCO3 filler particles, and based on E-Glass, manifest enhanced flexural stiffness and strength in comparison to the matrix that is not filled. The flexural properties of composites can be further improved by determining the ideal combination of PALF layers and filler particle content. The results of this study underscore the capacity of these composite materials to be utilised in scenarios that necessitate elevated levels of flexural strength and stiffness, such as the production of structural components in the automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors. Additional research can be carried out to enhance the PALF layering, filler particle size, and distribution for the purpose of attaining enhanced flexural characteristics, while taking into account other variables such as impact resistance and longevity. Furthermore, comprehensive microstructural examinations have the potential to offer valuable understanding regarding the interface between fibres and matrix, as well as the dispersion of filler particles. This can lead to a better comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the enhancements in the flexural characteristics of the composites.
The interlayer shear stress is a crucial factor in determining the strength and integrity of composite structures (Figure 6). This stress is indicative of the resistance to shearing forces that exist between the various layers of the composite. The composites were fabricated through a hand lay-up technique, in which the E-Glass fibre served as the predominant reinforcing agent. Additional layers of pineapple leaf fibre and CaCO3 filler particles were integrated into the matrix material. The objective of incorporating pineapple leaf fibre and CaCO3 filler particles was to improve the mechanical properties of the composites, specifically the interlayer shear stress. The determination of interlayer shear stress was accomplished via experimental testing utilising suitable techniques and equipment. The specimens underwent shear loading, and the resultant shear stress values were quantified. The experiments were carried out following established procedures to guarantee precise and dependable outcomes. The findings derived from the experimentation on interlayer shear stress indicated that the introduction of pineapple leaf fibre and CaCO3 filler particles had a noteworthy influence on the shear efficacy of the composite materials. Incorporation of pineapple leaf fibre and CaCO3 filler particles led to a notable enhancement in the interlayer shear stress as compared to the E-Glass-based composite in the absence of reinforcements. Incorporation of pineapple leaf fibre resulted in enhanced mechanical properties of the composite structure, attributed to the additional reinforcement and increased interlayer shear stress. The robust and inflexible characteristics of the fibres from pineapple leaves facilitated an increased transfer of load and interfacial adhesion between the layers, ultimately resulting in an enhancement of resistance to shearing forces. In addition, the incorporation of calcium carbonate filler particles played a pivotal role in augmenting the interlayer shear stress. The filler particles functioned as stress transfer mediators, facilitating the redistribution of the externally applied load and mitigating the concentration of stress at the interfaces between the layers. As a consequence, there was an increase in the load-bearing capacity and an improvement in the interlayer shear strength. The present study highlights that the interlayer shear stress values exhibited variations based on the configuration and concentration of both pineapple leaf fibre and CaCO3 filler particles. The interfacial interactions and stress distribution within the composite structure were influenced by various layering patterns and filler content, ultimately impacting the interlayer shear stress. The findings indicate that the inclusion of both pineapple leaf fibre and CaCO3 filler particles had a beneficial impact on the interlayer shear stress observed in polymer matrix composites based on E-Glass. The aforementioned reinforcements have been observed to offer superior strength, load transfer, and interfacial bonding properties, leading to heightened resilience against shear forces. The study's results hold noteworthy ramifications for the creation and advancement of composite materials, specifically in scenarios where interlayer shear stress is a critical factor in maintaining structural soundness and optimising functionality. Customising the reinforcement configurations and filler content has the potential to yield valuable insights for enhancing the mechanical properties of composites and satisfying particular application demands. Additional research could be undertaken to examine the impact of different factors, such as the orientation of fibres, distribution of fillers, and conditions of processing, on the interlayer shear stress. Furthermore, sophisticated methods of characterization, such as microscopy and finite element analysis, can be utilised to acquire a more profound comprehension of the interfacial behaviour and stress transfer mechanisms present in the composite structure.
4 Claims & 3 Figures , Claims:The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims:

Claim:
1. Pineapple leaf fiber and e-glass fiber reinforced hybrid epoxy matrix composites exhibited following characteristics:
a) The findings of the study indicated that the arrangement of composite layers had a noteworthy impact on the mechanical characteristics of the substances.
b) The experimental findings indicate that the arrangement of E-Glass fibre (G) and pineapple leaf fibre (P) in alternating layers exhibited exceptional mechanical properties, particularly in the areas of tensile strength, flexural strength, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS).
2. As mentioned in claim 1, the tensile strength tests indicate that the stacking sequence G-P-G-P-G-P-G-P demonstrated the greatest tensile strength when compared to the other sequences that were tested.
3. As mentioned in claim 1, the sequence G-P-G-P-G-P-G-P exhibited superior flexural strength in comparison to the remaining sequences during the flexural strength tests.
4. As mentioned in claim 1, thr interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) for the sequence GG-PP-GG-PP demonstrated the greatest strength out of all other sequences.