Enhancement of Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Hybrid Jute/Basalt/ Epoxy Composites with Carbon Nanotubes
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Abstract
Investigations on the synergistic effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a matrix strengthened in hybrid fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP) matrix composites containing varying amounts of jute, basalt and epoxy fibers were conducted. CNT-HFRP composites with varying weight percentages of CNTs added to epoxy resin were subjected to a thorough investigation for their thermal, physical and mechanical properties. Compaction molding was used to manufacture HFRP composites by injecting a mixture of CNT and epoxy resin onto jute/basalt fabric. Composites enhanced with 0.8% wt. CNT has shown a remarkable gain in tensile strength by 86%, interlaminar shear strength by 80%, double shear strength by 43%, impact strength by 26%, shore D hardness by 50% and flexural strength by 85%. The water absorption percentage fell significantly as well with CNT addition. HFRP composites were tested for thermal deterioration using thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results confirm that the surface treatment affected the jute fiber. Failure was mainly caused by matrix fracture and interfacial debonding, according to the fractography. HFRP composites reinforced with 0.8% wt. CNT are ideal for use in vehicles and other structural applications due to their increased strength.
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