Momordica angustisepala fibres and ant hill particles/polyester value-added hybrid composites for bumper application

Abstract

Purpose The production of car bumper composites based on glass fibers and carbon fibers has been a continuous trend. These materials have standard properties; however, they are very expensive and are not readily available. Therefore, focus on the choice of reinforcement fibers is gradually shifting toward natural sources. Natural fibers are becoming attractive alternatives to traditional high‐performance fibers such as glass and carbon fibers for reinforcement in composites in structural applications. To produce a car bumper that will be less expensive and available leads to the development of Momordica angustisepala fibers (MAf) and anthill particles/ polyester hybrid composites. Design/methodology/approach The composite was produced by hand lay method. The physical, mechanical, microstructure and thermal properties of the composites were used as criteria for the selection of the material for car bumper application. The validation of the tensile properties was done using the finite element method. Findings The results should impact energy of 7.82J/mm2, 145.28 per cent improvement in tensile strength of the polyester increased by the addition of 6wt per cent MAf, and 5wt per cent anthill particles. Flexural modulus of 2269.01 and 2435.19 Mpa and flexural strength of 56.61 and 85.45 Mpa were obtained for the polyester and composite. The maximum temperature of decomposition was 370.00 and 472.00oC for polyester and composite. Validation of the tensile properties shows that with the difference between predicated yield strength the experimental gave a percentage error of 6.43 per cent and safety of 68.12 per cent. It can be concluded that the composite formulation with 6 wt per cent MAf and 5 wt per cent anthill particles in polyester can be used in the production of car bumper because the mechanical properties obtained are within the ranges used for car bumper application. Originality/value The composition of 5 wt per cent anthill particles and 6 wt per cent MAf in polyester has never been used in the production of car bumper before now; hence this work is novel and contributed to knowledge materials development.