Investigation on the mechanical, water absorption, and tribological performance of calotropis gigantea and abaca fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

The mechanical qualities of natural fiber (NF) -based polymer composites are superior, making them advantageous and these composites are environmentally beneficial. The current investigation involved the fabrication of hybrid composites using Calotropis gigantea (CGF) and Abaca Fiber (AF) as reinforcements in epoxy matrix. The hand layup technique was employed for the fabricating process. Subsequently, the composites were investigated and analysed for their water absorption rate, tribological performance, and mechanical properties. This study aims to uncover a noteworthy combination of NF reinforced polymer composites that can be utilized in commercial Engineering applications. The mechanical properties were examined by measuring their hardness, impact resistance, flexural strength (FS), Compressive strength (CS), and tensile strength (TS). Furthermore, the broken surfaces of tensile sample were inspected utilizing a scanning electron microscope. Composite specimens were immensed in distilled water and their water penetration percentages were measured to ascertain their water absorption (WA) properties. The tribological performance was analysed utilizing a pin-on-disc equipment to assess the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction. The outcomes demonstrated that the hybrid composites surpassed the single-fiber composites in all variations. Sample G exhibited superior properties in all combinations, with a TS of 36.19 MPa and tensile modulus of 328.95 MPa. Additionally, it shows that higher flexural strength of 43.85 MPa and flexural modulus values of 350.84 MPa. Furthermore, it demonstrated higher Compressive strength of 94.45 MPa and modulus values of 576.93 MPa. Moreover, it exhibited a higher impact value of 53.88 kJ/m² and higher hardness value of 44.07 HV. This material is well-suited for non-structural uses in electronics and electrical insulating boards and components, as the results show that a combination of CGF and AF fibers with an epoxy matrix improves mechanical qualities.