Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber–Nanoclay–Epoxy Composites Under Water-Soaking: A Comparative Study Using RSM and ANN
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are exposed to severe environmental conditions throughout their intended lifespan. It is essential to investigate how they age when exposed to cold and hot water to increase the durability of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This work uses a hand lay-up process to create composites with different weight percentages of glass fiber, nanoclay, and epoxy. ASTM guidelines are followed for performing tensile and flexural tests. The input parameters, varying wt.% of glass fiber and nanoclay, are continuous, and the aging condition is deemed a categorical factor. The mechanical properties are considered as response variables (output). The mechanical properties are optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), while Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) provide a reliable predictive model with high correlation coefficients. The findings demonstrate that ANNs outperform RSM in flexural strength prediction, whereas RSM offers greater accuracy for tensile strength modeling. SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces reveals the causes of specimen failure under tensile load, with distinct differences between dry, cold, and boiling water-soaked specimens.
Source: Journal of Composites Science
DOI: 10.3390/jcs9040195
Authors: Manjunath Shettar, Ashwini Bhat, Nagaraj N. Katagi, Mandya Channegowda Gowrishankar
Institution: Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W4409649263