Materials Selection of Thermoplastic Matrices for ‘Green’ Natural Fibre Composites for Automotive Anti-Roll Bar with Particular Emphasis on the Environment

Mastura M. T.,Sapuan S. M.,Mansor M. R.,Nuraini A. A. 한국정밀공학회 2018 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.5 No.1

In this study, selection of thermoplastic polymers to be used in natural fibre-reinforced polymer composite is performed using Quality Function Deployment for Environment technique. The candidate materials for the matrix in composites are thermoplastic polyurethane, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene and the selection process is carried out based on the design requirements of an automotive anti-roll bar. Requirements are collected through a study on the voice of customers and the voice of the environment. The approach is followed by sensitivity analysis using Expert Choice software based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process method. From the analysis, high-density polyethylene scored the highest (28.76%), and followed by thermoplastic polyurethane, which had 22.30%of the overall score. Finally, Young’s modulus of hemp fibre reinforced high-density polyethylene and thermoplastic polyurethane composites were compared, predicted using the Halpin-Tsai method. The results show that hemp-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composite shows higher Young’s modulus of 10.6 GPa, compared with hemp-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite (8.27 GPa). Based on these two analyses, thermoplastic polyurethane is selected as the most suitable polymer matrix for natural fibre composites for automotive anti-roll bar.

Experimental Investigation on Dimensional Stability and Cutting Quality in Cutting Process of Sugar Palm Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites with Laser Beam and Abrasive Water Jet Cutting Technologies

Fathi Masoud,S. M. Sapuan,Mohd Khairol Anuar Mohd Ariffin,Y. Nukman,Emin Bayraktar 한국섬유공학회 2022 Fibers and polymers Vol.23 No.11

This study aims to evaluate the influence of the input parameters on the resulted cutting quality and dimensionalstability in cutting different thicknesses of sugar palm fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester (SPF-UPE) cut utilizing abrasivewater jet (AWJ) and lease beam (LBM) machining techniques. In this research, broad ranges of input parameter values wereapplied and then evaluated their impact on cutting quality and dimensional stability by means of examination with the nakedeye and microscopic testing to determine the defects resulting in both cutting process, and then determining the ranges ofinput parameters that give the best results which can be used as start points in subsequent studies related to evaluating ofsurface quality, and kerf taper angle, etc. In this study, specific ranges of input parameters were obtained through whichsuccessful cutting process can be achieved that give good cutting quality with stable specimen dimensions. Also, through thisstudy, the ranges of input parameters that result in unsuccessful cutting processes were determined, whether those ranges thatproduce defects represented in the various types of damages at the cutting zone or uncompleted cuts due to the application ofunsuitable parameter values. From the study, it can be concluded that the desired results from both cutting processes can beachieved by applying the appropriate ranges of the input parameters.

A Statistical Framework for Selecting Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites Based on Regression Model

M. Noryani,S.M. Sapuan,M. T. Mastura,M. Y. M. Zuhri,E. S. Zainudin 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.5

Material selection is an important stage in the development of products from composites process of automotive component application. Numerious different Multi-Criteria Decision-Making tools have their own strenghts and limitations. This paper presents a framework for material selection of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites by using statistical approach. The framework is developed using statistical methods which are simple, multiple and stepwise regression for the material selection process. The performance of potential material is investigated by a statistical analysis such as coefficient of correlation, coefficient of determination and analysis of variance. A case study to select the best composite of parking brake lever is applied to this framework. End results revealed that kenaf reinforced polypropylene is the best candidate for construction of automotive parking brake lever component. The best possible of statistical model for material selection of the composite can be referred by design engineer in composite industry for a multiple application. Moreover, the proposed framework is an aid to help engineers and designers to choose most suitable material.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Composite Filled with Waste Rubber Glove Crumbs

M. Nuzaimah,S. M. Sapuan,R. Nadlene,M. Jawaid 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.6

Recycling of waste rubber gloves is an alternative to sustainable methods in ensuring that waste rubber does notpile up. The main focus of this investigation is to evaluate the potential of utilising waste rubber gloves as fillers inunsaturated polyester-based composites. The evaluation also studies the effect of different loading of rubber content towardsthe composite’s mechanical properties with 8 different rubber contents being considered. Rubber contents of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35 and 40 wt. % have been studied in this work. Waste rubber gloves were ground into crumbs using cryogenic grindingand added into the unsaturated polyester. The composite is characterised for its tensile and flexural strength, elastic modulus,impact strength and fracture surface morphology. The addition of rubber crumbs has increased the toughness of thecomposite while it decreased the tensile strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus. Due to rubber hydrophobicbehaviour, adhesion between rubber crumbs and polyester gets weaker as the rubber content was increased, therefore thetensile strength of the composite dropped. The SEM micrographs of the tensile fracture surface of the composite revealed thatvoids in the composite increases as the rubber content is increased. Voids occur due to inhomogeneous distribution of rubbercrumbs throughout the composite.

Effect of Black Seed Fiber, on the Physical, Thermal, Mechanical, Morphological, and Biodegradation Properties of Cornstarch-Based Biocomposites

Walid Abotbina,S. M. Sapuan,M.T.H. Sultan,M. F. M. Alkbir,R.A. Ilyas 한국섬유공학회 2023 Fibers and polymers Vol.24 No.2

This work aims to investigate the effect of black seed fiber as a reinforcing material for the fabrication of cornstarch-basedbiocomposite. The casting procedure was applied to fabricate the biocomposite at different concentrations of black seedfiber (3%, 6%, and 9%) and plasticizer mixture of fructose and glycerol set at a proportion of 30% (1:1) for total weight. The biocomposite films were tested in terms of casting procedure physical, tensile, thermal, and morphological properties. Increasing the black seed fiber concentration from 3% to 9% decreased the density and moisture content of the films by15.67% and 29.04%, respectively, and soil burial tests showed that the films became less resistant to biodegradation. Onthe other hand, an increase in tensile strength (40%), Young’s modulus (26%), and crystallinity index (64%) were observedwhen 9% of black seed fiber was added, reflected in a consistent structure and outstanding matrix-reinforcement compatibility. It was also found that reinforced biocomposite exhibited better thermal stability and more intermolecular hydrogenbonding compared to the control film. Overall, the addition of black seed fiber as promising reinforcing material significantlyimproved the performance of the films, which may contribute to the development of the biopolymers industry in responseto both community needs and environmental issues.

Effect of Alkaline Treatment on Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties of Roselle/Sugar Palm Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Hybrid Composites

A. M. Radzi,S. M. Sapuan,M. Jawaid,M. R. Mansor 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.4

The aim for this work is to investigate the effect of alkaline treatment on the mechanical, physical and thermalproperties of roselle (RF)/sugar palm fiber (SPF) reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane hybrid composites. RF/SPF hybridcomposites were fabricated at different NaOH concentrations (3 %, 6 % and 9 %) by melt mixing and compression molding. The mechanical, physical and thermal properties of RF/SPF hybrid composites were measured. The morphological propertiesof the tensile fractured sample were examined using scanning electron microscope. Obtained results indicated that the effectof NaOH treatment on the surface improved mechanical, physical and thermal properties accompanied by lower impactresistance. The highest tensile is 14.26 MPa, flexural strength is 14.05 MPa and impact strength is 23.76 kJ/M2) was obtainedfrom treatment 6 % NaOH concentration on RF/SPF hybrid composites. Adhesion bonding between fiber and matrix wasevident by using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of hybrid composite tensile fractured. Scanning electronmicrograph of tensile fractured surfaces of the NaOH treated RF/SPF hybrid composites revealed good adhesion bondingbetween fiber and matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to observe the effectiveness of NaOHtreatment in the removal impurities on fiber surfaces. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the treated RF/SPF hybridcomposites had improved the thermal stability. Physical properties showed lower water uptake of the treated thermoplasticpolyurethane hybrid composites. The lowest water uptake is 7.97 % and thickness swelling is 6.49 % obtained from 9 %NaOH concentration after soaked in water for 7 days. Overall, the surface treatment on RF/SPF hybrid composite hasenhanced the composite properties and suitable for automotive part application; battery holder and bottom based.

Effect of ply lay-up and curing pressure on void content in GFRP laminates of unsaturated polyester resin-reinforced woven E-glass fibers

Yeo Kiam Beng,Mohd Noh Dalimin,Mohd Sapuan Salit,Mohd Aidy Faizal,Mohd Kamal Mohd Shah 대한기계학회 2017 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.31 No.12

This paper describes a laminate curing process by hand lay-up of plain-weave woven Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite composed of unsaturated polyester resin reinforced with E-glass fiber fabric, EWR-600B. Symmetrical and non-symmetrical ply orientation arrangements were introduced with respect to different curing pressures to produce consistent composite panels according to the British standard code: BS 1268 (2001) for evaluations of void content and physical properties. Quantitative analysis of volume and weight fractions and void volume content were investigated according to the ASTM code: D 2734. Woven GFRP composites fabricated under different curing pressures of 351.2 (35.8 kg/m 2 ), 687.7 (70.1 kg/m 2 ), 1020.2 (104 kg/m 2 ) and 1355.7 Pa (138.2 kg/m 2 ) showed minimal significant effect on volume and weight fractions of symmetrical and non-symmetrical ply lay-up arrangement, whereas 4 % void content still fulfilled the limit of medium quality composite.

Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Properties of Woven Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composites

Mohd Azlin Mohd Nor,Salit Mohd Sapuan,Mohd Zuhri Mohamed Yusoff,Edi Syams Zainudin 한국섬유공학회 2022 Fibers and polymers Vol.23 No.10

Composite mats based on submicron biopolyester fibers, such as poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)s, and zinc oxide(ZnO) nanoparticles have been exploited in medicine and environmental areas, as antibacterial wound dressings or filters. Generally, the resulting mat

Effect of Fibre Loading on the Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Sugar Palm Fibre Reinforced Vinyl Ester Composites

M. R. M. Huzaifah,S. M. Sapuan,Z. Leman,M.R. Ishak 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.5

In this research, the variation of mechanical properties (i.e. tensile, flexural and impact strength), physicalproperties (i.e. water absorption, SEM and thickness swelling) and thermal properties of sugar palm fibre reinforced vinylester composites were investigated. The composites with different fibre content, which are 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.% and40 wt.%, were prepared. The additions of sugar palm fibres to vinyl ester reduce tensile and flexural strength of thecomposites, which are 25.1 MPa (10 wt.%), 12.5 MPa (20 wt.%), 9.7 MPa (30 wt.%) and 6.1 MPa (40 wt.%) for tensilestrength, while for flexural strength, the results recorded 48.5 MPa, 24 MPa, 18.8 MPa and 2.5 MPa for 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%,30 wt.% and 40 wt.%. However, sugar palm fibres improve impact strength of the composites especially at 30 wt% with5.4 kJ/m2. The addition of sugar palm fibres also raise the water absorption and thickness swelling of the composites as thepresence of fibres in the composites increase water retained in the composites. Besides that, thermal stability of thecomposites also reduces by the addition of the sugar palm fibres that shows the onset temperature of thermal degradation of10 wt.% was at 270.83 oC, while 40 wt.% was at 196.67 oC.

Effect of Soil Burial on Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Sugar Palm Fibre Reinforced Vinyl Ester Composites

M. R. M. Huzaifah,S. M. Sapuan,Z. Leman,M.R. Ishak 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.9

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of soil burial on physical, mechanical and thermal properties ofsugar palm fibre (SPF) reinforced vinyl ester (VE) composites. Neat VE and SPF/VE composites at weight ratio of 10 wt.%SPF were prepared using wet hand lay-up method. The specimens were buried in the soil for 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000hours to investigate the effect of soil burial to its physical properties (i.e. water absorption), mechanical properties (i.e. tensile,flexural and impact strength) and thermal properties. Obtained results indicated that, the longer soil burial period led to highwater absorption of the composites. After 200 hours of soil burial, the SPF/VE composites water uptake increased 0.92 %compared to neat VE which is 0.42 %. Based on the results, soil burial reduces the mechanical strength of the composites. Tensile, flexural and impact strength decreased rapidly after 200 hours of soil burial compared to neat VE which were28.24 %, 8.04 % and 14.83 %, respectively. Thermal stability after 200 hours of soil burial increase temperature onset of theSPF composites compared to neat VE. Overall, soil burial increased water absorption, temperature onset of the SPFcomposites and at the same time decreased the tensile, flexural and impact strength of the composites.