Showing papers in "Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive source of recent literature on epoxy structure, synthesis, modified epoxy, bio-epoxy resin, and its applications is presented, which also aims to cover the recent advances in natur...
Abstract: The versatile characteristic of epoxy and its diversity made it suitable for different industrial applications such as laminated circuit board, electronic component encapsulations, surface coatings, potting, fiber reinforcement, and adhesives. However, the pervasive applications in many high-performance field limited the epoxy use because of their delamination, low impact resistance, inherent brittleness, and fracture toughness behavior. The limitations of epoxy can be overcome by incorporation and modification before their industrial applications. Currently, modified epoxy resins are extensively used in fabrication of natural fiber-reinforced composites and in making its different industrial products because of their superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Present review article designed to be a comprehensive source of recent literature on epoxy structure, synthesis, modified epoxy, bio-epoxy resin, and its applications. This review article also aims to cover the recent advances in natur...
263 citations
TL;DR: This study attempts to review the most commercially important natural fibres and their automotive application and also looks at the properties, chemical composition and cost of somenatural fibres being used in industry.
Abstract: In recent years, the amount of research on natural fibres and natural-fibre-based products has increased substantially. The reason for this increase is due to a greater awareness of the environment and the ever depleting trend of petroleum supplies. Natural fibre composites and in general, natural fibres have a big role to play towards a sustainable environmentally friendly future. The automotive industry is taking big steps toward a more eco-friendly product chain by implementing natural fibres as a base for making various components, such as seat backs, door panels, spare tyre and boot linings. The world production of natural fibres is increasing since the product base is increasing. Each year, more synthetic fibres and high energy consuming products are being replaced by natural-fibre-based products. The reason for this trend is not only due to an increased environmental awareness but also because natural fibres have excellent properties, such as light weight, and they have relatively low costs. This s...
150 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present recent developments in long-term behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer composites subjected to moisture, pH, temperature, sustained stress and ultraviolet radiation.
Abstract: This article presents recent developments in long-term behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer composites subjected to moisture, pH, temperature, sustained stress and ultraviolet radiation, as well as...
94 citations
TL;DR: Nanotechnology applied to cellulosic fibers has quickly become an interdisciplinary field with great interest in the application as reinforcement in polymer composites, mainly due to the abundance of the fibers as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Nanotechnology applied to cellulosic fibers has quickly become an interdisciplinary field with great interest in the application as reinforcement in polymer composites, mainly due to the abundance ...
74 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of nature of weaving pattern and intra-ply hybridization of natural fibers on dynamic mechanical and free vibration characteristics of woven banana/jute polyester composite has been inves...
Abstract: Influence of nature of weaving pattern and intra-ply hybridization of natural fibers on dynamic mechanical and free vibration characteristics of woven banana/jute polyester composite has been inves...
74 citations
TL;DR: Fiber reinforced composites have been used in several applications for several years and the market is continuously growing as discussed by the authors, it is known that the addition of fibers for reinforcing of matrix has ad...
Abstract: Fiber reinforced composites have been used in several applications for several years and the market is continuously growing. It is known that the addition of fibers for reinforcing of matrix has ad...
69 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, reinforced epoxy adhesives were observed by optical microscopy to disclose the interplay between composite properties and distribution fashion of the silica and alumina fillers within the epoxy matrix.
Abstract: Epoxy-based adhesives reinforced with silica and alumina fillers (20, 40, and 60 phr) were prepared and successfully applied for lap-joint bonding of carbon fiber composite with steel. The mechanical properties of adhesives were assessed as different cure temperatures to find optimum cure temperature. Morphology of the reinforced epoxy adhesives was observed by optical microscopy to disclose the interplay between composite properties and distribution fashion of the silica and alumina fillers within the epoxy matrix. Thermal stability and interfacial interaction situation were explored by thermogravimetric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, respectively. Rheological behavior of the composite samples was also studied. Lap shear test was an indication for a considerable improvement of about 12% and 20%, compared to unfilled epoxy/hardener systems, for composites containing 60 phr of alumina and silica, respectively. However, the presence and population of voids in case of samples cured at ...
67 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the hybrid composite materials are replacing the conventional composite materials because of their superior properties, and the present communication, unidirectional bananal beamforming is used.
Abstract: During the last few years, the hybrid composite materials are replacing the conventional composite materials because of their superior properties. In the present communication, unidirectional banan...
66 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two carbon fiber reinforced aluminum laminates (CARRAL) with a 3/2 configuration, with aluminum in the outer layer for the first case and one with carbon fiber composite layer in the inner layer were prepared using a vacuum press without any adhesive layer between the layers.
Abstract: Fiber metal laminates (FML) combine the strength of carbon fiber composite layer with ductility of the aluminum layer for desirable mechanical characteristics. For these composites, progressive failure behavior can be complex and require attention. In this study, two carbon fiber reinforced aluminum laminates (CARRAL) with a 3/2 configuration, with aluminum in the outer layer for the first case and one with carbon fiber composite layer in the outer layer were prepared using a vacuum press without any adhesive layer between the layers—a significant departure from similar aerospace materials. Epoxy from the prepreg provides adequate adhesion during consolidation in these lower cost FMLs with a pressure level of 0.35 MPa. Three-point flexural behaviors of these two material systems were evaluated under static loading and failure modes were recorded. Primary failure modes observed were crack in lower aluminum layer, carbon fiber (CFRP) layer fracture and delamination between upper aluminum and CFRP layer. A m...
63 citations
TL;DR: Hybrid bonding-fastening is an alternative joining technique that consists of simultaneous adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening of the adherends as discussed by the authors, and it is used in many applications.
Abstract: Hybrid bonding-fastening is an alternative joining technique that consists of simultaneous adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening of the adherends. In this paper, pertinent scientific publicatio...
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the mechanical behavior of different composite materials constituted of twill flax and glass fabrics-reinforced liquid thermoplastic and thermoset resins.
Abstract: This paper aims at comparing the mechanical behaviour of different composite materials constituted of twill flax and glass fabrics-reinforced liquid thermoplastic and thermoset resins. The main obj...
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of fiber length and fiber content on the physical, mechanical and water absorption behavior of coir fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were studied.
Abstract: This paper studied the effects of fiber length and fiber content on the physical, mechanical and water absorption behavior of coir fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Twenty different samples were prepared by varying the fiber length (3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm) and fiber content (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt% and 20 wt%) using the hand lay-up technique. The density, hardness, tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, impact energy, compressive strength, compressive modulus, inter-laminar shear strength, fracture toughness and percentage of water absorption of the composites were analyzed. The experimental investigation reveals that the void content and percent of water absorption increases with increase in fiber length and fiber content. The result shows that the density of composites increases with increase in fiber content, while a decrease in density is observed with increase in fiber length. Similarly, the tensile strength, compressive strength, inter-laminar shear strength, flexural streng...
TL;DR: The basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bar is one of the newly evolved materials expected to be used as a structural reinforcement because of its non-corrosive nature and abundant tensile strength as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bar is one of the newly evolved materials expected to be used as a structural reinforcement because of its non-corrosive nature and abundant tensile strength pro...
TL;DR: In this paper, behavior of novel bio-composites incorporating Aloe Vera fibers in biopolymer matrix (polylactic acid) has been experimentally examined in comparison to Sisal fi...
Abstract: In the current research enterprise, behavior of novel bio-composites incorporating Aloe Vera fibers in biopolymer matrix (polylactic acid) has been experimentally examined in comparison to Sisal fi...
TL;DR: In this article, a class of randomly oriented strands of carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastics are characterized by enhanced strength, stiffness, and formability proper tie.
Abstract: Ultra-thin chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastics, which belong to a class of randomly oriented strands and are characterized by enhanced strength, stiffness, and formability propertie...
TL;DR: In this article, the most frequent machining operations for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites, carried out prior to assembly between structural components using mechanical joining, are described.
Abstract: Drilling is one of the most frequent machining operations for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites, carried out prior to assembly between structural components using mechanical joining. Delam...
TL;DR: In this article, the numerical analysis of the ballistic performance of the Kevlar-29 under impact of different double-nosed stepped cylindrical projectiles was performed using finite element analysis.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the numerical analysis of the ballistic performance of Kevlar®-29 under impact of different double-nosed stepped cylindrical projectiles. Numerical modelling based on finite e...
TL;DR: The analytical and numerical models to residual stresses and distortions in composite structures during curing are reviewed with emphases being placed on the numerical models with viscoelas in this article, where the authors present a detailed review of the most popular analytical models.
Abstract: The popular analytical and numerical models to residual stresses and distortions in composite structures during curing are reviewed with emphases being placed on the numerical models with viscoelas...
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes at various contents with respect to the matrix (0, 0.5) at a step of 0.1 1
Abstract: This study represents the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes at various contents with respect to the matrix (0–0.5 wt% at a step of 0.1 wt%) on the mechanical responses of unidirectional basa...
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of natural fiber type and loading content on the sound absorption efficiency of natural rubber (NR)/treated natural fiber composite foams were studied, and the results showed that natural fiber composites have better sound absorption than natural rubber.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the effects of natural fiber type and loading content on the sound absorption efficiency of natural rubber (NR)/treated natural fiber composite foams. This was inv...
TL;DR: In this paper, Cissus quadrangularis stem fiber (CQSF) has proven thermomechanical properties for polymer composite reinforcement, and the mechanical properties of treated fiber composites reveal good bonding features through scanning electron microscopy analysis.
Abstract: Natural fibers from bio-renewable sources have the potential to be used as an alternate reinforcement for the perilous synthetic fibers. The hazards of prolong exposure to such fibers are quite serious, which demands scientific intervention. Natural fibers, like the one investigated – Cissus quadrangularis stem fiber (CQSF), have proven thermomechanical properties for polymer composite reinforcement. Enhancing fiber–matrix bonding through chemical treatments such as mercerization and deposition of cotton linters-based microcrystalline cellulose powder on fiber surface are comprehensively investigated. The mechanical properties of treated fiber composites reveal good bonding features through scanning electron microscopy analysis, which are further substantiated by the evaluation of mechanical property. In particular, 5 wt.% cellulose powder-treated CQSF/polyester composites showed distinguishable enrichment in mechanical and water absorption characteristics.
TL;DR: In this paper, the performances of low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI) of honeycomb sandwich composite panels are investigated experimentally and numerically.
Abstract: The performances of low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI) of honeycomb sandwich composite panels are investigated experimentally and numerically. Honeycomb sandwich panels with different facesheet thicknesses are impacted by drop-weight machine under gradually increasing impact energies. The visible surface damage is recorded and ultrasonic C-scan technology is used to inspect the internal damage of sandwich plates. Numerical simulation is conducted using finite element method, taking into account both facesheet damage and honeycomb damage. The facesheet damage model is based on the continuum damage mechanics and cohesive zone model to simulate intralaminar and interlaminar damage respectively. The honeycomb damage model, which takes into account of both compressive damage and shear damage, is addressed and verified by three-point bending experimental tests. The numerical results show good agreements on LVI and CAI with the experiments, thus verifying the validity of the presented n...
TL;DR: In this article, a method of applying an equi-biaxially fabric prestressing prior to and during the curing process of a polyamide polyamide composite was proposed. But the tensile properties of the polyamide were not investigated.
Abstract: The tensile properties of prestressed fabric-reinforced composites have been investigated. A method of applying an equi-biaxially fabric prestressing prior to and during the curing process of a pla...
TL;DR: In this paper, the characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) have been discussed and damage occurs frequently in machining of CFRPs, and it can seriously influence the performance of CFRP.
Abstract: Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) have the characteristics of non-homogeneity and anisotropy. Damage occurs frequently in machining of CFRPs, and it can seriously influence the performance o...
TL;DR: In this article, the sound absorption coefficients of the natural fiber polymer composites were measured using two-microphone transfer function impedance tube method and analyzed using scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Abstract: This study is focused on the development of sound absorbing materials based on natural fiber polymer composites. The natural fibers were modified through the alkaline treatment and the natural fiber polymer composites were fabricated using hot and cold compression hydraulic press machine. The sound absorption coefficients of the composites were measured using two-microphone transfer function impedance tube method. Characterizations of the natural fiber polymer composites were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that in all measured composites, the sound absorption coefficients increased as the frequency increased. Also, as the fiber loading increased, the sound absorption coefficients of the natural fiber polymer composites were increased. It was found that the alkaline treated fiber reinforced composites increased the sound absorption coefficients due to removal of impurities and change in the structure of composites. The alkaline treatment of fibers showed better adhesion interface between fiber and polymer as compared to untreated fibers. This can be seen clearly under morphological and spectral studies of the natural fiber polymer composites.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative investigation and discussion on the influence of laminate thickness uncertainty on the reliability of laminated composite is provided, where the authors provide a comparative analysis and discussion of the impact of uncertainty on reliability of the composite.
Abstract: The present study provides a comparative investigation and discussion on the influence of laminate thickness uncertainty on reliability of laminated composite. Laminate thickness uncertainty in thr...
TL;DR: In this article, thin carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypaper with desired porosity were prepared by using of positive pressure filtration method, and the obtained porous BP was then directly incorporated into the BP.
Abstract: In this study, thin carbon nanotube (CNT) buckypapers (BPs) with desired porosity were prepared by using of positive pressure filtration method. The obtained porous BP was then directly incorporate...
TL;DR: In this paper, the bond-slip behavior between carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates and steel is studied for predicting the structural behavior of CFRP-strengthened steel members.
Abstract: The bond–slip behavior between carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates and steel is crucial for predicting the structural behavior of CFRP-strengthened steel members. In this paper, the CFRP-...
TL;DR: In this article, an optimization procedure is proposed to find the optimum stacking sequence designs of laminated composite plates in different fiber angle domains for maximum buckling resistance, where a hybrid algorithm combining genetic algorithm and trust region reflective algorithm is used in the optimization to obtain higher performance and improve the quality of solutions.
Abstract: In this study, an optimization procedure is proposed to find the optimum stacking sequence designs of laminated composite plates in different fiber angle domains for maximum buckling resistance. A hybrid algorithm combining genetic algorithm and trust region reflective algorithm is used in the optimization to obtain higher performance and improve the quality of solutions. As a novelty, Puck fiber and inter-fiber failure criteria are directly implemented to the optimization problems as nonlinear function constraints, which have allowed more consistent and feasible results. The performance of the hybrid algorithm is demonstrated by comparing with the individual performances of genetic and trust region reflective algorithms via test problems from the literature. Also, a study is performed to exhibit the effectiveness of the selected failure criterion as constraint among the other common criteria. The proposed procedure is used to solve many problems including various design considerations. The results indica...
TL;DR: In this article, the impact properties of flax fiber-reinforced polymer composites were investigated using two different impact test methods, i.e. drop weight test and Charpy test.
Abstract: Impact properties of flax fibre-reinforced polymer composites were investigated using two different impact test methods, i.e. drop-weight test and Charpy test. The drop-weight impact tests were con...