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J. Compos. Sci.
Special Issues
Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers
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Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 15629

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Deesy Gomes Pinto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
Interests: composites structures; nanocomposites; polymer-matrix composites; thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers; reinforcement; structural analysis, integrity and design; thermal and mechanical properties; refractories; natural fibers; inorganic fillers; concrete and concrete without using cement; finite element analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Virupaxi Auradi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur 572 103, Karnataka, India
Interests: metal matrix composites; developing grain refiners for Al-Si alloys; solidification aspects of metals and alloys; development of refiner cum modifier (Al-Ti-Sr, Al-Ti-B-Sr) for Al-7Si alloys

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent manufacturing advancements have led to the fabrication of polymeric composites reinforced with natural fibers and nanofillers. However, to reduce the impact on the environment, efforts have been made to replace synthetic fibers by natural fibers in many applications. Natural fibers can possess higher cellulose content, a higher degree of polymerization of cellulose, and a lower microfibrillar angle, which are crucial factors for the mechanical properties, namely tensile modulus and tensile strength, and many other properties that make them suitable for the reinforcement of polymeric composites. Their blend consists in epoxy resin matrices, which are thermoset polymer matrices. After curing, this material displays some excellent mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties. However, epoxy resins have poor resistance to crack propagation and are brittle. So, in recent years, a considerable amount of research has been carried out to improve the performance of the toughness of epoxy resins. The most commonly studied technique consists of reinforcing the epoxy resins matrix with rigid nanoparticle fillers. The Special Issue aims to focus the addition of two types of fillers (natural fibers and inorganic fillers) into epoxy resin matrices to review and highlight recent findings and trends to show future directions and opportunities for the development of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with rigid nanoparticles and natural fibers.

Dr. Deesy G. Pinto
Dr. Virupaxi Auradi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Natural fibers
  • Nanofillers
  • Thermosetting polymers
  • Reinforcement
  • Thermal properties
  • Mechanical properties
  • Nanocomposites
  • Epoxy resins
  • Wettability
  • Moisture Absorption

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 6798 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Polyethylene Composites with Recycled Carbon Fibres and Hemp Fibres Produced by Rotational Moulding
by Maria Oliveira, Kim L. Pickering and Christian Gauss
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(11), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6110352 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1580
Abstract
This study assessed polyethene composites produced by rotational moulding with hybrid reinforcement using recycled carbon fibre (RCF) and hemp fibre (HF). First, the RCF was treated with nitric acid to introduce hydroxyl groups on the fibres’ surface and was characterised by infrared spectroscopy [...] Read more.
This study assessed polyethene composites produced by rotational moulding with hybrid reinforcement using recycled carbon fibre (RCF) and hemp fibre (HF). First, the RCF was treated with nitric acid to introduce hydroxyl groups on the fibres’ surface and was characterised by infrared spectroscopy and microscopy analyses. Although the fibre surface treatment improved the tensile properties of the composites, the use of grafted maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) as a coupling agent was more effective in improving the interfacial bonding between the fibres and the matrix. Alkali-treated hemp fibres were then used in combination with RCF to produce rotationally moulded composites with an overall fibre content of 10 wt.% but with different ratios of HF/RCF, namely, (20/80) and (50/50). The results showed that the addition of RCF increased the composite’s Young’s modulus compared to neat PE, regardless of the fibre treatment. Similarly, the hybrid composites showed superior Young’s moduli than the HF–PE composites through the increase in the RCF content. It was also observed that adding RCF reduced the void size within the final composites compared to the HF–PE composites, which contributed to the greater performance of the hybrid composites compared to their natural counterparts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)
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12 pages, 2920 KiB  
Article
Performances Recovery of Flax Fiber Reinforced Composites after Salt-Fog Aging Test
by Luigi Calabrese, Vincenzo Fiore, Riccardo Miranda, Dionisio Badagliacco, Carmelo Sanfilippo, Davide Palamara, Antonino Valenza and Edoardo Proverbio
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(9), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6090264 - 09 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1292
Abstract
In the present paper, the performance recovery under conditions of discontinuous exposure to a marine environment of a natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) reinforced by flax fibers was assessed. In particular, this laminate was initially exposed to salt-fog for 15 and 30 days, and [...] Read more.
In the present paper, the performance recovery under conditions of discontinuous exposure to a marine environment of a natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) reinforced by flax fibers was assessed. In particular, this laminate was initially exposed to salt-fog for 15 and 30 days, and then stored in a controlled air condition for up to 21 days. The flax fiber-reinforced composite showed coupled reversible and irreversible aging phenomena during the wet stage, as well as evidencing a significant mechanical recovery during the dry stage. Unlike the stiffness, the laminate showed a noticeable recovery of its flexural strength. This behavior affected the composite material toughness. A simplified approach was applied to define a topological map of the material toughness at varying drying times. The results highlight that the composite shows maximum toughness at intermediate drying times thanks to the strength recovery, in addition to its residual plasticity. This approach allows us to better determine that the strength is more closely related to reversible degradation phenomena, whereas the stiffness is mainly correlated to irreversible ones, implying relevant effects on the toughness of the composite exposed to a wet/dry cycle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)
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21 pages, 9266 KiB  
Article
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of Natural and Chlorobutyl Rubber Blend Nanocomposite
by Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Hanna J. Mariya, Jozef T. Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas, Amin Esmaeili and S. Mohammad Sajadi
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(8), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6080240 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2082
Abstract
The science and technology of electrical equipment for communication experience a rapid growth rate. However, the unwanted interference of electromagnetic waves of different electronic devices brought serious anxiety about human health as well as the lifetime and performance of the systems. To combat [...] Read more.
The science and technology of electrical equipment for communication experience a rapid growth rate. However, the unwanted interference of electromagnetic waves of different electronic devices brought serious anxiety about human health as well as the lifetime and performance of the systems. To combat these consequences, we need to lessen the electromagnetic wave emission by making our devices more noise-sensitive. Herein, we incorporated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at different ratios into natural rubber (NR) and chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) to achieve shielding efficiency, along with carbon nanofibers (CNFs), nanoclay (NC), and carbon black (CB) to manipulate EMI shielding performance. The blend of CIIR/NR in a 70/30 (w/w) ratio also mixed with CNT, CNF, CB and NC. The effect of different fillers and their concentration/combination was analyzed by UV spectroscopy, demonstrating an absorbance peak in CIIR in 320 nm. From FTIR spectroscopy, it was evident that CIIR/CNT (5 phr), NR (30 wt.%)/CIIR (70 wt.%)/CB (5 phr), and NR (30 wt.%)/CIIR (70 wt.%)/CNT (5 phr) new bonding signatures were detected. The dielectric spectroscopic analyses were reflected in dielectric loss, dielectric permittivity and AC conductivity, where NR (30 wt.%)/CIIR (70 wt.%)/CB (5 phr) blend nanocomposite with 5 dB showed significantly higher EMI shielding performance compared to CIIR/CNT (5 phr) and CIIR/CNF (5 phr) with 29 and 15 dB, respectively. The greater the concentration of nanofiller, the lower the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, i.e., CIIR/CNT (10 phr) with 15 dB (≈−48% dB), but with more agglomeration. Surprisingly, even a combination of fillers did not lead to higher EMI performance, such that CIIR/CNT (5 phr)-CB (20 phr) showed an EMI shielding value of 59 dB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)
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12 pages, 3250 KiB  
Article
An Efficient Method to Determine the Thermal Behavior of Composite Material with Loading High Thermal Conductivity Fillers
by Chi-Cuong Tran and Quang-Khoi Nguyen
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(7), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6070214 - 20 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
Improvement of the thermal conductivity of encapsulant material using doping filler is an important requirement for electronic device packaging. We proposed a simple method for determining the thermal characteristics of composite material that can help save time, increase research performance, and reduce the [...] Read more.
Improvement of the thermal conductivity of encapsulant material using doping filler is an important requirement for electronic device packaging. We proposed a simple method for determining the thermal characteristics of composite material that can help save time, increase research performance, and reduce the cost of buying testing equipment. Based on the theory of Fourier law, a general 3D model is simplified into a 2D model, which can then be applied to calculate the thermal conductivity of the tested sample. The temperature distribution inside the sample is simulated by the finite element method using MATLAB software; this is a simple and useful option for researchers who conduct studies on thermal conduction. In addition, an experimental setup is proposed to help determine the extent of thermal conductivity improvement in a sample with doping filler compared to a bare sample. This method is helpful for research on optoelectronics packaging, which relates to the enhancement of thermal conductivity composite material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)
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12 pages, 3924 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Experimental and Calculated Tensile Properties of Flax Fibres
by Niphaphun Soatthiyanon, Alan Crosky and Michael T. Heitzmann
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6040100 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2378
Abstract
The tensile properties of natural plant fibres are commonly determined by single fibre testing. The cross-sectional area used to determine the modulus and strength is usually obtained by measuring the fibre width and using this as the fibre diameter on the assumption that [...] Read more.
The tensile properties of natural plant fibres are commonly determined by single fibre testing. The cross-sectional area used to determine the modulus and strength is usually obtained by measuring the fibre width and using this as the fibre diameter on the assumption that the fibres are circular in section. The assumption of circularity is reasonably true for synthetic fibres but is not correct for natural fibres, and this can lead to a substantial error when determining the tensile properties of the fibres. The incorporation of a fibre area correction factor, which takes into account the non-circularity of natural fibres, has been proposed by earlier workers, who used it successfully to predict the mechanical properties of jute fibre composites. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the wider applicability of this methodology by applying it to flax fibre composites. The work involved determination of the tensile properties of 113 flax technical fibres using an experimentally determined fibre area correction factor to account for the non-circularity of the fibres. The data were then compared with those obtained from back-calculation of the results obtained from longitudinal tensile testing of flax/vinyl ester unidirectional composites manufactured utilising identical fibres to those used in the single fibre tests. Account was taken of the effect of fibre length on strength. The experimentally determined fibre area correction factor was found to be 2.70. Taking this into account for the single fibre tests, the back-calculated modulus of the flax fibres was within 6% of that obtained from the single fibre tests, while the strength was within 7%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)
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Review

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24 pages, 2484 KiB  
Review
Tuning of Dielectric Properties of Polymers by Composite Formation: The Effect of Inorganic Fillers Addition
by Farah Deeba, Kriti Shrivastava, Minal Bafna and Ankur Jain
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(12), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6120355 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
Polymer blend or composite, which is a combination of two or more polymers and fillers such as semiconductors, metals, metal oxides, salts and ceramics, are a synthesized product facilitating improved, augmented or customized properties, and have widespread applications for the achievement of functional [...] Read more.
Polymer blend or composite, which is a combination of two or more polymers and fillers such as semiconductors, metals, metal oxides, salts and ceramics, are a synthesized product facilitating improved, augmented or customized properties, and have widespread applications for the achievement of functional materials. Polymer materials with embedded inorganic fillers are significantly appealing for challenging and outstanding electric, dielectric, optical and mechanical applications involving magnetic features. In particular, a polymer matrix exhibiting large values of dielectric constant (ε′) with suitable thermal stability and low dielectric constant values of polymer blend, having lesser thermal stability, together offer significant advantages in electronic packaging and other such applications in different fields. In this review paper, we focused on the key factors affecting the dielectric properties and its strength in thin film of inorganic materials loaded poly methyl meth acrylate (PMMA) based polymer blend (single phase) or composites (multiple phase), and its consequences at low and high frequencies are explored. A wide range of different types of PMMA based polymer blends or composites, which are doped with different fillers, have been synthesized with specific tailoring of their dielectric behavior and properties. A few of them are discussed in this manuscript, with their different preparation techniques, and exploring new ideas for modified materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)
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32 pages, 7868 KiB  
Review
A Review of Rubber Biocomposites Reinforced with Lignocellulosic Fillers
by Hossein Kazemi, Frej Mighri and Denis Rodrigue
J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(7), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6070183 - 22 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3427
Abstract
Lignocellulosic fillers have attracted considerable attention over the years as a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based fillers (carbon black) in rubber composites due to their renewability, biodegradability, availability, high mechanical properties, low density and low cost. Based on the literature available, a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Lignocellulosic fillers have attracted considerable attention over the years as a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based fillers (carbon black) in rubber composites due to their renewability, biodegradability, availability, high mechanical properties, low density and low cost. Based on the literature available, a comprehensive review is presented here of rubber biocomposites reinforced with plant-based fillers. The study is divided into different sections depending on the matrix (natural or synthetic rubber) and the type of lignocellulosic fillers (natural fiber, microcrystalline cellulose, lignin and nanocellulose). This review focuses on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties of the resulting rubber biocomposites. In addition, the effect of hybrid filler systems, lignocellulosic filler surface modification and modification of the rubber matrix on the properties of these rubber biocomposites are presented and compared. A conclusion is finally presented with some openings for future works. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Nanofillers)
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