Luffa and Kevlar fiber/nanoclay sustainable thermoset biocomposites: acoustic and tribo-mechanical study

Natural fiber composites often exhibit significant acoustic behavior in low-frequency range. The focus of this study is to create soundproof panels using luffa and Kevlar fiber composites reinforced using nanoclay (MMT) filler. Mechanical testing was performed on the prepared samples. The addition of 4% MMT improved the mechanical characteristics. Mechanical parameters such as interlaminar shear, tensile, flexural, and impact strength were enhanced by 9.13%, 16.89%, 9.71% and 51.64%, respectively, as compared to the control sample. Tribological experiments were performed on the manufactured composite samples in dry sliding conditions as a function of control factors such as sliding speed, sliding distance, and effective load. The results reveal that using 6% MMT to Kevlar/LCF epoxy composites greatly increases the COF and specific wear rate. The sound absorption test results indicated that the incorporation of nano MMT with Kevlar/LCF composites increased the sound transmission loss. The reduced hydrophilicity effect has been reported with the addition of 4% (by weight) MMT in contact angle measurement studies. Moreover, the created biocomposites are low-cost and long-lasting materials suitable for use as soundproofing panels in automobiles and railway cabins.

Graphical Abstract