Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Nanoclay Filled Bamboo/Glass Fibre Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Hybrid Composites

The developed novel Nanoclay (NC) filled bamboo fibre (BF) /glass fibre (GF) reinforced unsaturated polyester (USP) hybrid composites were subjected to static and dynamic mechanical studies. Effect of NC on mechanical properties of the neat and NC filled BF/GF hybrid composites were tested in accordance with the ASTM standards. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed on the composites to evaluate their viscoelastic properties like, storage modulus (E’), loss modulus (E”) and damping factor (Tanδ). Outcomes of the mechanical results revealed that, NC filled BF/GF-USP hybrid composites showed superior mechanical performance over the neat hybrid composites particularly 5 wt.% NC filled BF/GF hybrid composite (HC4) outperformed other composites. From the dynamic mechanical it was found that the addition of NC filler in the hybrid composites enhanced the E’, E” and glass transition temperature (T_g). Fractured specimens of the hybrid composites were examined using Field emission electron microscope (FESEM). Matrix fracture, micro-cracks, fibre pullouts, stretching of fibres and delamination of the fibre layers were significantly noted in the fractography analysis. Therefore, from the obtained results, NC filled BF/GF USP hybrid nanocomposites can be employed for automotive applications.

Keywords:
Nanoclay; Bamboo fibre; Glass; fibre; Nanocomposites; Hybrid composites; Stacking sequence; FESEM analysis