Development and mechanical properties evaluation of environmentally sustainable composite material using various reinforcements with epoxy

In this study, the mechanical properties of advanced composites fabricated by the hand lay-up process were investigated. The mechanical properties evaluated in this study included tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. Tensile tests were performed to measure the resistance of the composites to pulling forces, while flexural tests assessed their resistance to bending. Impact tests, on the other hand, determine the material's ability to absorb sudden forces or shocks. Results showed that all the composite materials exhibited high tensile strength, with the Carbon fiber epoxy composite displaying the highest value due to the exceptional strength of carbon fibers. In terms of flexural strength, the Glass-Fiber Polymer Matrix composite demonstrated the highest resistance to bending, while the Kevlar-Epoxy composite exhibited the highest impact strength, owing to the unique properties of Kevlar fibers, which offer excellent energy absorption capabilities. In the hardness test, the Kevlar composite to epoxy matrix showed hardness from HRB 105 to HRB 125 an increase of 19.04 %, while fiberglass increased hardness by 14.2 % and carbon fiber by 16.3 %. The Impact test shows that the Kevlar composite to epoxy matrix showed hardness from HRB 105 to HRB 125 an increase of 19.04 %, while fiberglass increased hardness by 14.2 % and carbon fiber by 16.3 %. Kevlar reinforcing composite produced the highest flexural strength, compared to neat epoxy by 91.7 %. Carbon fibre composites were 52.5 % higher, whereas glass fibre composites were 15.6 % higher. SEM imaging results from the cross-sections show that the best bonding between the base material and the fibers was observed for Kevlar reinforced with epoxy. All mechanical test showed that Kevlar (Aramid fiber) provides excellent mechanical properties when compared to carbon fibre and glass fibre. Hence, Kevlar (aramid fiber) can be an option for preparing light weight helmets, automobiles, aeronautics, safety equipments etc.