Study on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Angora, Kenaf and Ramie Hybrid Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Home , Kenaf, Ramie

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET) Volume 9, Issue 4, April 2018, pp. 11–20, Article ID: IJMET_09_04_002 Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJMET?Volume=9&Issue=4 ISSN Print: 0976-6340 and ISSN Online: 0976-6359

STUDY ON MECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF ANGORA, KENAF AND RAMIE HYBRID REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES

Dr. Narendiranath Babu T, S.Sai Aravind, K.Sai Naveen Kumar and M.Sai Sumanth Rao School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT Now a days, the interest on using Natural Fibers is increasing day by day. They are also gaining attention as replacement of current used engineering materials for advanced applications. For that, they require best Mechanical properties. Mechanical and Tribological properties of one fiber differ from others. Our aim is to evaluate and compare the outputs of three natural fibers – Angora, Kenaf and Ramie. The mechanical properties like Tensile, Bending, Impact, Tribological and Brinell hardness are to be investigated by joining the normal fibers with Epoxy LY556 pitch and Hardener HY951 in a specific proportion. The tests must be rehashed for the given three strands and an aggregate of 15 samples are to be set up by hand lay-up strategy and tested. The specimens must be set up according to ASTM standards. From the overall observaon it has been discovered that Kenaf natural composite exhibited superior mechanical properes when compared with Angora and Ramie.

Keywords: Natural composites; Angora, Kenaf, Ramie; Mechanical performance; Tribological properties Cite this Article: Dr. Narendiranath Babu T, S.Sai Aravind, K.Sai Naveen Kumar and M.Sai Sumanth Rao, Study on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Angora, Kenaf and Ramie Hybrid Reinforced Epoxy Composites, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 9(4), 2018, pp. 11–20. http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJMET?Volume=9&Issue=4

1. INTRODUCTION Now a days, many Synthetic fibers and artificial fibers are replaced by Natural fibers due to their less cost and light weight [1]. On comparison Synthetic fibers have mechanical properties better than Natural fibers but they are very cost which are utilized for complex applications [2]. We can obtain Natural fibers from plants, animals and minerals. These plants are abundantly found in Southern Asia. We can get benefited environmentally and

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJMET 11 [email protected] Dr. Narendiranath Babu T, S.Sai Aravind, K.Sai Naveen Kumar and M.Sai Sumanth Rao economically by the use of Natural fibers. Natural fibers are also a healthy fibers[3]. For Example we can get more comfort on a heart day by wearing a cotton T-shirt which is made from a Natural fiber. Natural fibers are one of the Renewable sources and also 100 percent Bio degradable [4]. Particularly, in automobile industry the attraction of natural fibers has been increasing due to their good Mechanical strength low weight and less cost [5]. Continuous advancement in the generation of natural ﬁber composites has basically centered around mechanical improvements and reduction of structural imperfections [6] to guarantee quality, reliability, cost diminishment and increased production rates. While processing of these produce organic waste and residues which can be used to generate electricity. Mainly these are of plant and animal fibers. Mwaikambo [7] described the mechanical and physical properties of natural fibers. Serviceability of those fibers are evaluated. Their aim is to maximize the amount of low cost natural fiber resource inside the composite. They proved untreated hemp fiber with lignin gives more strength. Mwaikambo 2006[7] evaluated the historical usage of plant fibers and also discussed the future of these fibers. Plant fibers were proved as an alternative for synthetic fibers. Yusuf Ali and Salit 2011. [8] Evaluated the composite of TPU reinforced with KENAF fiber was prepared. By changing various parameters it showed significant values in tensile properties. Md Uhazri et al. 2011[9] evaluated the effect of NAOH on Kenaf reinforced fiber with polyester composite and their study showed Mechanical properties of the composite are directly proportional with concentration of alkyl. Merlini et al. [10] contemplated the impact of alkalyene treatment on banana fiber and its reinforced composites. They treated banana fibers with 10 percent weight of NaOH and calculated fiber length, tesile strength of fiber and composite. Their study revealed alkali treatment improved interfacial bond between fiber and the matrix. Senthil kumar et al. [11] studied the experimental investigation on mechanical properties of jute fiber fortified composites with polyester and epoxy resin matrices. Their result showed that jute reinforced epoxy composite has metal mechanical properties than jute poly ester composites. Partha Haldar et al. [12] assessed the properties of sisal epoxy composite without and with the consideration of Aluminum powder. These composites are set up by hand layup and pressure forming strategies. A 5% addition of aluminum powder to sisal epoxy matrix displayed a considerable hike in both tensile and elastic strengths. The researchers proposed that the work can be further extended by addition of various types of fillers to the composite.

2. MATERIALS USED Angora, Kenaf and Ramie are the selected natural fibers for ths project. Kenaf is a plant fiber. It has good elasticity and flexibility. It is also very light in weight. Its bast quality can be assumed to hardwood.It has multicellural cells. Their diameter is in between 2 to 6 micrometers. It dosent easily absorbs lignin.Kenaf fiber[13] has good solid nature.It is also aganist to salt water disintegration. Ramie [14] is a leaf fiber. Even in wet conditions it shows a greater strength.It is the oldest natural fiber.Angora is an animal fiber.It is obtained from the hair of angora rabbit. It is very soft to touch.It absorbs water very easily and also dried easily.It is light in weight.It has good resistance to salt water damage.It also has better mechanial quality. Epoxy LY556 and hardener HY 951 were mixed in ratio of 10:1 which produces a solution which can give great adhesion between layers of the fibers and also improves their mechanical properties. Angora, Ramie [15]and Kenaf are represented by below figures 1,2,3 respectively.

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Figure 1 Kenaf Figure 2 Angora Figure 3 Ramie

3. FABRICATION PROCESS 0.1 molar NaOH solution is prepared and selected fibers are dipped into the solution which removes lignin in them after drying them for 4 days. They are cut into 30cm in length and rolled in a sheet of paper. Then they are crushed using Universal Testing Machine which increases bonding between the fibers. Moulds are prepared with wood according to ASTM standards which are discussed below. Total 15 samples were prepared. After this Epoxy resin and hardner were mixed in the ratio of 10:1 and fibers are kept uniaxially inside the mould. The moulds were dried for 12 days and specimens were removed carefully from the moulds without damaging their shape. ASTM Standards are represented by Table 1.

Table 1 ASTM Standards to be Followed Tests ASTM S.no Conducted Standards 1 Tensile ASTM D638 2 Bending ASTM D790 3 Impact ASTM A370 4 Hardness ASTM E18-02 Wear and 5 ASTM G99 friction

4. TESTING OF COMPOSITES a) Tensile Test Young’s modulus, Ductility, Toughness and Type of fracture can be evaluated by Tensile Test. Instron Testing machine was used to determine all these. The Sample is made according to ASTM standards and kept vertically in the machine. A continuous tensile load acts on both sides of the specimen which eventually results in breakage of the specimen. Ultimate Tensile Strength of a material can be easily find out by the help of this test. ASTM D638 is the standard used for tensile test which was represented by Figure4 and specimens and setup are represented by Figure5.

Figure 4

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Figure 5 Samples and Setup b) Flexural Test Instron Testing was used to determine bending strength of a material. The bending strength of material is ability it can withstand if bending forces are applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the material. The specimen is made according to ASTM standards which are already discussed. The Specimen is placed horizontally on the Instron testing machine and kept tight. This specimen acts as a Simple beam and load is applied on it perpendicularly. This test determines flexural strength and flexural modulus of a material. The setup used was three point bending flexural testing machine. ASTM D790 was the standard for specimen which is represented by Figure6 and Specimens and setup are represented by Figure7

Figure 6 Bending Test of sample (ASTM D790)

Figure 7 Samples and Setup c) Hardness Test Hardness of material is determined by Rockwell hardness Test. Digital hardness testing machine is used to determine hardness of a material. Load is applied at five different positions on the specimen according to ASTM standards. Hardness of material is expressed as HR number. The type of intender used is 1/16th diameter steel ball. A major load of 100 kg and a minor load of 30 kg applied on the specimen and hardness is read on B scale. Fig 8 represents the specimens and the setup used for determine the hardness value. ASTM E18-02 is recommended for manufacturing specimens. Figure8 represents Setup and Specimens that are used for this test.

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Figure 8 Setup and Specimens d) Impact Test The amount of energy a material can absorb before its failure ocurrs is known as its impact strength. Brittleness of material can be also determined by the help of this test.The ductile nature of a material can be determined by the qualitative results of this test.Impact test finds it application in selection of a material in designing a particular component. The specimen is broken by a free swinging pendulum. ASTM A370 is recomended for manufacturing specimens which are represented by figure 9 and Setup is represented by Figure10

Figure 9 Samples Figure 10 Setup e) Wear test Coefficient of friction, Wear track and wear volume lost can determined by Wear Test. The specimens were degreased and cleaned before the test. The test is conducted at ambient room temperature conditions. A linear displacement is induced between ball and flat by a sliding sample table. Frictional force values are continuously measured and stored. A normal load of 1kg is applied on the specimen for 10 min in which velocity of disc is kept constant at 600rpm.We will get out put graphs of Wear, Coefficient of friction, Frictional force as a function of time. ASTM G99 is recomended for manufacturing specimens which is represented by Figure11 and setup was represented byFigure12

Figure 11 Samples Figure 12 Pin-on-disc Setup

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5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS a) Tensile Properties

Table 1 Tensile strain Tensile stress at Break Load corresponding Break fibers (Standard)(kN) Maximum Load(%) (Standard)(MPa) 3.49557 0.43 5.29 RAMIE 2.10281 1.10 13.62 KENAF 4.42018 1.23 15.17 ANGORA

Table 2

Maximum Load Modulus UTS(GPa) (Automatic Fibers (N) Young's)(MPa) 1132.75051 0.014 1698.365 Ramie 1104.55751 0.014 1738.812 Kenaf 1229.23851 0.015 2005.380 Angora

Figure 13 Kenaf Figure14 Ramie

Figure 15 Angora

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Tensile properties of Kenaf, Ramie, and Angora are represented by the above graphs. If we look carefully in the above graphs we can say that Angora natural fiber shows most tensile strength and can bear a load upto 12301N. Table 2 gives information about load, Stress.etc. Figure (13-15) shows the graphs for Tensile stress and Tensile strain. Angora natural fiber showed a maximum ultimate tensile strength of 0.015 Gpa. Kenaf, Ramie and Angora are represented by Specimen 4, 5, 6 respectively. b) Flexural Properties

Table 3 Bending properties of the Fibres Maximum Maximum Flexure Maximum Flexural Comment Load(N) stress(MPa) Extension (mm) 1 KENAF 104.44 76.93070 16.312 2 RAMIE 30.37 22.36970 11.814 3 ANGORA 44.42 32.72255 12.770

Figure 16 Kenaf

Figure 17 Ramie Figure 18 Angora Bening properties of Kenf, Ramie, and Angora are represented by the above graphs. If we look carefully in the above graphs we can express that the Kenaf natural fiber shows higher flexural strength when contrasted to others. Table 3 gives information about different flexural properties of fibers. Fig (16-18) illustrates the graphs plotted between stress and strain. Kenaf natural fiber has shown a maximum bending strength of 76.93 MPa and capable with a load of 104.44N.

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Table 4 Obtained Hardness properties of Fibers

Table 4 shows the data about hardness properties of Kenaf, Angora and Ramie. As we can see from the table it can be expressed that Kenaf records most elevated estimation of hardness number (85.4 HRB). An aggregate of 5 readings were taken for every sample and the normal was figured. d) Impact Properties

Table 5 Obtained Impact Properties of the Fibres Impact Strength Fibres Energy absorbed (KJ/m2) Kenaf 1.82 21.5 Angora 1.64 19.7 Ramie 1.55 17.5 Table 5 gives the data about the impact properties of Kenaf, Angora and Ramie. As we can see from the table it can be expressed that Kenaf has highest value of Impact Strength (21.5 KJ/m2) and Ramie with the lowest impact strength (17.5KJ/m2).

Wear Properties using Pin-on-disc

Figure 19 Ramie wear properties Figure 20 Angora wear properties Figure 21 Kenaf wear properties Fig (19-21) gives the data about wear properties of Ramie, Angora and Kenaf. As we can see from the graphs Ramie was considered as very less wear (200micrometres) and Wear rate is directly propotional with time. Recordings were with an rpm of 600 and with a load of 9.81N.

http://iaeme.com/Home/journal/IJMET 18 [email protected] Study on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Angora, Kenaf and Ramie Hybrid Reinforced Epoxy Composites 6. CONCLUSIONS The mechanical properties of Kenaf, Angora, Ramie fortified epoxy composites were assessed in this work. The samples are setups by hand layup process are tested according to ASTM norms. The accompanying conclusions are determined.  A maximum ultimate Tensile strength of 0.015 GPa was discovered in Angora fortified epoxy composite  Kenaf fortified epoxy composite had most extreme flexural strength of 73.3 MPa when contrasted with other fibers.  Kenaf showed higher estimation of hardness strength (85.4 HRB)  Highest impact strength (21.5KJ/m2) was Shown by Kenaf natural fiber.  Less surface wear is obtained by Ramie natural fibre composite

wear TEST IMPACT TEST

600 25 20 400 15 10 200 5 0 0 KENAF RAMIE ANGORA KENAF RAMIIE ANGORA

FLEXURAL TENSILE 15 80 15 60 14 14 40 14 20 0 13 KENAF RAMIE ANGORA KENAF RAMIE ANGORA

Hence it can be concluded that Kenaf has the best mechanical properties when contrasted with others. Hence it could be used in automobile components which can bear medium load such as interior car door panels and also in mudguards,construction and Buliding materials.

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REFERENCES

[1] Zhong Z., Pan Y. Mech Mater 85 (2015) 7. [2] K.Ashek, Ramesh, S.Sharma, A Review on Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composites [3] K.Gokul, T.Ram, parabhu Evaluation of mechanical properties of sugar cane fiber reinforced natural composite. [4] M.K Gupta, H.Singh, Evaluation on the mechanical properties of Epoxy composite utilizing short sisal fiber. [5] M.R. Sanjay, B.Yogesha Applications of Natural fibers and its composites an overview. [6] D.Chandra mohan Applications of natural fiber composite for replacement of orthopedics [7] Mwaikambo L.Y. and Ansell M, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 84(12), (2002), 2222-2234. [8] Yousuf Ali, mohd. Salit advancement of a bast reinforced TPC [9] Mohd yuhazri,p.t. a.m. (1), and kannan rassiah mechanical properties of kenaf/polyester composites [10] Merlini Study on mechanical properties on alkali trearment of banana fibers [11] AjithGopinath, M.SenthilKumar, A.Elayaperumal experimental evaluation on mechanical properties of fibre of jute reinforced composites with polyester and epoxy resin matrices. [12] Goutam Sutradhar, Nipu Modak, Partha Haldar, Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Sisal-Epoxy Composites with and Without Addition of Aluminium Powder, ICMPC (2016). [13] AS Saleem Study on the effect of surface treatment of kenaf fiber on chemical structure and water absorption. [14] Dr. Binita Baishya Kalita, Properties of Ramie and its blends [15] Mohd Suharil, Husaain, Improving Tenusile properties of fibers of kenaf treated with sodium hydroxide. [16] H. Saidulu and M. Manzoor Hussain, A Study on Effect of Moister Absorption on Tensile Behaviour of Glass/Epoxy Composites, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 9(1), 2018, pp. 144–151. [17] Narendiranath Babu.T, K.S. Tarun, Shivasai Bandaru and Mahesh Vattikuti, Comparative Study on Orientation of Fibers in Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Aloe-Vera and Palmyra Fibers, International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, 9(3), 2018, pp. 747–760

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