Thermo-mechanical performance of Kevlar based hybrid natural fiber composites pre-coated with termite modified epoxy polymer
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The present study investigates the influence of pre-coated epoxy matrix which is modified through termite soil, a naturally occurring thermal balancer on thermo-mechanical performance of Kevlar-based hybrid natural fiber composites (NFCs) for the first time. Hybrid composites were developed with varying ratios of 10, 20, and 30 wt.% of termite filler through hand layup route. Mechanical characterization viz., tensile, flexural and impact studies were carried out along with thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies to assess the thermo-mechanical response of termite composites. Mechanical results revealed that 20 wt.% termite content delivered optimal performance. Ultimate tensile strength increased from 26.08±0.78 MPa (pure sample) to 37.45±1.12 MPa, representing an 43.73 % improvement, whereas flexural strength witnessed the enhancement of 63.68 %, which is attributed to improved fiber–matrix adhesion and uniform filler dispersion. Termite filler concentration of above 20 wt.% loading shows declined properties due to termite agglomeration. Impact strength shows a monotonic decrease with increasing filler content, indicating reduced energy absorption capacity. Additionally, finite element analysis was performed to validate the findings for tensile and flexural tests. Thermal analysis demonstrated improved stability when termite is intoduced with rise in onset temperature from 319.28 °C to 334.36 °C and increased char residue from 0.765 % to 13.258 % at 20 wt.% filler, whereas ifferential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated a significant rise in glass transition temperature (Tg) range from 109.69 °C to 146.25 °C. Microstructural analysis was carried out on fractured samples to examine the failure modes of termite composites.
Source: Results in Engineering
Authors: Lokesh K․S․, Shrinivasa Mayya D․, Shailesh Shetty S․, Venkatesh K․C․, Ravindra Babu G․, Govindaraju H․, Yashwanth H․L․
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,940
OpenAlex ID: W4415199163