M. Rajesh

Bio: M. Rajesh is an academic researcher from VIT University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Composite number & Natural fiber. The author has an hindex of 11, co-authored 34 publications receiving 450 citations. Previous affiliations of M. Rajesh include National Institute of Technology, Karnataka.

Dynamic Behaviour of Woven Bio Fiber Composite

Abstract: The effect of weaving pattern and natural filler addition on the dynamic properties of composite structure was investigated. The reinforcement effect of plain, basket, and twill weave were compared with randomly oriented natural fiber in short form. An experimental modal analysis was used to determine the fundamental natural frequency and modal damping factor of composite structure. The results for a woven reinforced composite were compared with those of a randomly oriented short fiber composite. Reinforcement with woven form enhanced the fundamental natural frequency, while randomly oriented short fiber enhanced the damping factor of composite material. In addition, mechanical properties, such as tensile and flexural behavior, were examined to understand the effect of reinforcement on the composite material. The sisal bio fiber with woven form enhanced the properties of the composite material.

Effect of manufacturing processes and multi‐walled carbon nanotube loading on mechanical and dynamic properties of glass fiber reinforced composites

Abstract: An effective manufacturing process and high-performance composite structures are indispensable in the aerospace, automobile, and shipbuilding industries. The current study focuses on the combined effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement and manufacturing methods such as co-curing, co-bonding, and secondary bonding (SB) on mechanical and free vibrational behavior of glass fiber reinforced plastic composite. Results affirmed that composite fabricated using co-cure manufacturing method with 1 wt% CNT loading improved the tensile strength by 22.8%, 12.7% compared to co-bonded and secondary bonded composites due to rougher surface formation over the fiber improved the adhesion between fiber and matrix. On the other hand, 0.25 wt% CNT added secondary bonded composite had the highest (398.19 MPa) flexural strength. The modal analysis asserted that 1 wt% CNT added co-cured composite beam had the higher fundamental natural frequencies while higher wt% CNT loading enhanced the damping properties owing to higher interaction among fiber and matrix. The current study exposes that mechanical properties and free vibrational characteristics can be improved by selecting the right manufacturing technique and appropriate weight fractions of CNTs. The co-cure manufacturing with 1 wt% of CNTs and SB with 0.25 wt% of CNTs provided the greatest enhancement to adhesively bonded composites' mechanical properties and dynamics characteristics.

Pineapple Leaf Fibres for Automotive Applications

Abstract: Fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are playing a significant role in manufacturing of goods/products in service for lightweight applications. Among FRPCs, natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) are one in forefront and replacing both the conventional and unconventional reinforced composites since they are eco friendly in nature and have several benefits like low price, ease of manufacturing, denseness, biodegradability, etc. In this chapter, a solemn attempt is made to study the pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) bolstered with polymer matrix composites (PMCs). PALFs are rich in cellulose, comparatively cheap and extravagantly available. PALFs reinforced with polymers such as thermoplastic/thermoset matrices are widely used in automotive sectors. PALF-reinforced polymer matrix composites have a wide range of applications in automotive industries, manufacturing of dashboards, package trays, door panels, headliners, seat backs, interior parts and many other parts. This chapter also explores the type of NFRPCs used by several automotive organizations.

Recent progress on natural fiber hybrid composites for advanced applications: A review

Abstract: Natural fibers, as replacement of engineered fibers, have been one of the most researched topics over the past years. This is due to their inherent properties, such as biodegradability, renewability and their abundant availability when compared to synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers derived from finite resources (fossil fuels) and are thus, affected mainly by volatility oil prices and their accumulation in the environment and/or landfill sites as main drawbacks their mechanical properties and thermal properties surpass that of natural fibers. A combination of these fibers/fillers, as reinforcement of various polymeric materials, offers new opportunities to produce multifunctional materials and structures for advanced applications. This article intends to cover recent developments from 2013-up to date on hybrid composites, based on natural fibers with other fillers. Hybrid composites preparation and characterization towards their applicability in advanced applications and the current challenges are also presented.