Evaluating the influence of graphene nano powder inclusion on mechanical, vibrational and water absorption behaviour of ramie/abaca hybrid composites
Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract The present study examines the impact of incorporating graphene nanoparticles on the mechanical, vibrational, and moisture resistance properties of hybrid composites (HC) reinforced with ramie/abaca fibres. The composites were produced using compression moulding, with graphene dispersed in distinct concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt%) in the epoxy matrix through ultrasonic sonication. The sample with 1.5 wt% graphene exhibited the highest performance, attaining a tensile strength (TS) of 22 MPa and a modulus of 3,116.897 MPa, representing increases of 175 % and 93.77 %, respectively, over the neat composites. The flexural strength also reached 70.64 MPa, showing a 139.29 % improvement. Increasing the graphene content to 1.0 wt% (RA1.0) resulted in an impact strength of 4.69 J, a 94.60 % improvement over the neat composite. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to examine the microstructure of HC. In free vibration analysis, the composite with 1.5 wt% graphene recorded the highest natural frequencies, indicating greater stiffness and less energy dissipation. The Shore D hardness increased with graphene content, reaching a peak of 82.2 at 1.5 wt% graphene inclusion. Water absorption reduced from 14.1 % in the unmodified composite to 10.8 % with 1.5 wt% graphene, demonstrating enhanced moisture resistance. Integrating 1.5 wt% graphene significantly improves the mechanical strength, stiffness, surface hardness, and moisture resistance of ramie/abaca HC, making it suitable for weight-sensitive applications in automotive, marine, and aerospace sectors.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites · Aluminum Alloys Composites Properties · Thermal properties of materials
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Deanship of Scientific Research , Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
Independent Researcher, Mechanical Engineering , Doha , Qatar
Department of Mechanical Engineering , Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology , Chennai 600062 , Tamil Nadu , India
Department of Chemistry, Centre for Research and Development , Vinayaka Mission’s Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation (DU) , Salem - 636308 , Tamil Nadu , India
Department of Mechanical Engineering , Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Amritapuri , India
Centre for Flexible Electronics and Advanced Materials , Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham , Amritapuri , India
School of Mechanical Engineering , Vellore Institute of Technology , Vellore , India
College of Engineering , Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
Funding
The Deanship of Scientific Research at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University
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