Search
212 articles for “Polymer-Matrix Composites”
-
Mechanical Characteristics of Naturally Woven Coconut Sheath/Short Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites
Abstract: This study presents the outcomes of an experimental investigation focusing on the tensile, flexural, impact and water absorption properties of unsaturated polyester resin reinforced with naturally woven coconut sheath and short sisal fibers. Sisal fiber, characterized by its abundance, affordability, degradability, and robust strength, serves as a compelling reinforcement. The naturally woven coconut sheath fibers, discreetly found in the hidden sections of coconut branches, offer an inexpensive, biodegradable option with …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 12, Issue 1, 2024 · pp. 34–44 Read article
-
Mechanical Characterization of Prosopis Juliflora Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Sustainable Automotive Applications
Abstract: This study investigates the potential of Prosopis juliflora (PJ) fibre as an eco-friendly, economical, and mechanically efficient reinforcement for epoxy-based polymer composites. Composite samples were produced using the compression moulding technique with epoxy-to-fibre weight ratios of 90:10, 85:15, and 80:20. Mechanical tests, including tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness evaluations, were conducted in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. The incorporation of PJ fibre resulted in significant improvements in the mechanical behaviour …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1720–1728 Read article
-
AI-Driven Topology Optimization of Woven Fiber-Reinforced Composite Chassis Structures for Electric Vehicles Under Crash Loading
Abstract: The structural design of an electric vehicle (EV) chassis represents a unique engineering challenge to achieve minimal weight while meeting occupants' safety requirements during high-energy crash conditions without compromise to the battery housing's integrity or the geometrical constraints of the electric powertrain package. In this paper, a single framework is proposed to integrate physics-based artificial intelligence (AI) surrogate models using PINNs, CNN-accelerated topology optimization, and FEA to design woven fiber-reinforced …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 72–89 Read article
-
Sustainable Epoxy Composites Enhanced by Cellulose Nanocrystals for Structural and Thermal Applications
Abstract: This study presents the advancement and behaviour analysis of sustainable nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a biodegradable and high-aspect-ratio nanofiller derived from microcrystalline cellulose. CNCs were incorporated into a bisphenol-A-based epoxy matrix at varying concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) to assess their influence on mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties. The tensile strength of the composites increased significantly, from 45 MPa for neat epoxy to 65 MPa …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 126–134 Read article
-
Interfacial and Tribo-Mechanical Performance of a TiO₂–Castor Oil Polymeric Nanofluid During Sustainable Machining of AISI 316L Stainless Steel Under MQL Conditions
Abstract: This research examines the tribo-mechanical performance and interfacial film characteristics of a TiO₂-reinforced castor-oil polymeric nanofluid during the turning of AISI 316L stainless steel under minimum-quantity lubrication (MQL). A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was utilized to assess the synergistic effects of cutting speed, depth of cut, and coolant composition on surface integrity, while machining experiments were performed under dry, conventional, and TiO₂-nanofluid lubrication techniques. ANOVA and multiple-regression modeling were used …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 901–914 Read article
-
Flexural Response and Numerical simulation of Unidirectional Areca–Pineapple Leaf Fiber Hybrid Epoxy Composites
Abstract: The increasing demand for lightweight and environmentally sustainable materials has accelerated the development of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites for engineering applications. In the present study, unidirectional areca and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced hybrid epoxy composites were fabricated using a simple hand lay-up process. Before fabrication, the fibers were chemically treated to improve fiber–matrix adhesion and enhance the mechanical performance of the laminates. Four different stacking sequences (A8, A7P1, A6P2, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
-
A Review on Effects of Waste Tire Rubber Polymer on Fresh, Mechanical, and Impact Resistance Properties of Rubberized Concrete
Abstract: According to the collective findings of numerous researchers, waste tire rubber has proven to be a valuable addition to concrete, contributing to advancements in construction. Rubber crumb is artificial rubber polymers, such as butadiene rubber (BR). The chemical composition of tire rubber crumb that is discarded can be represented by the combination of (C5H8)n, (C8H8)x-(C4H6)y, (C4H6)n, C, S8, ZnO, and complicated hydrocarbons. Various studies have explored the mechanical and impact …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 469–478 Read article
-
A Strategy of Nano-Calcite Fillers for Enhancing the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polypropylene Polymers
Abstract: Particulate polymer composites have gained popularity because of their many uses. For some, using high loadings to achieve desired attributes without compromising the material's mechanical properties or restricting its processability is desirable. It is possible to use surface active agents to improve characteristics and increase solid loading. Interface characteristics in highly packed particulate composites based on nano-calcite (nano-calcium carbonate) and polypropylene as a binder are the focus of the current …
Published in Journal of Modern Chemistry & Chemical Technology · Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 20–29 Read article
-
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Graphene Nanoplatelets
Abstract: This study investigates how incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) influences the mechanical performance of hemp fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Hemp fibers were chemically treated by alkali treatment to improve fiber–matrix adhesion owing to their high specific strength, stiffness, renewability, and environmental friendliness. Graphene nanoplatelets were dispersed in acetone by probe sonication and added to acetone epoxy matrix at a concentration of 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%, respectively. Composite laminates were prepared by …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 98–109 Read article
-
Functionally Graded Natural Fibre and SiC-reinforced Polymer Composite: Mechanical Properties
Abstract: Multifunctional materials, also called functionally graded materials (FGMs), are based on natural fibres or fillers and vary in composition and/or microstructure to control functional, structural, or thermal, properties. Functionally graded materials (FGMs) have been created for use in spacecraft, aircraft, and other engineering applications because they can withstand extremely high temperatures. Particle-reinforced FGMs, which make up the majority of FGMs, are made differently depending on their position. The mechanical and …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 11, Issue 4, 2023 · pp. 1–14 Read article
-
Fabrication and Characterization of PLA-CSP Composites via FDM for Biodegradable Food Packaging
Abstract: In light of the growing need for environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic packaging, this study presents the design of a food-grade, biocompatible packaging material composed of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and packed with coconut shell powder (CSP). One of the most well-known thermoplastic polymers, PLA is produced from renewable resources like sugarcane or maize starch. Its nontoxicity, biodegradability, and adherence to food safety standards and regulations provide energy. Unfortunately, PLA's …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1016–1025 Read article
-
Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA) Based Epoxy Sizing Agent Induces Surface Polarity in Carbon Fibers†
Abstract: Determination of the chemical structure and composition of the sizing agent is a challenge as its concentration is low, varying in the range from ~0.5 wt.% (for polyacrylonitrile, PAN, based carbon fibers) to ~1 wt.% (for pitch-based carbon fibers). Moreover, such a piece of knowledge is vital for designing compatible polymer matrices to prepare CFRPs for diverse applications. As a result, the sizing layer that is coated on the carbon …
Published in International Journal of Crystalline Materials · Vol. 1, Issue 2, 2024 · pp. 24–34 Read article