Effect of Nylon Fiber Reinforcement on Mechanical Behavior of Expanded Perlite/Sodium Silicate Composites

Abstract

Abstract In this research, expanded perlite/sodium silicate composites reinforced with nylon fibers were manufactured with varying percentages of nylon fibers without changing the quantity of expanded perlite and sodium silicate solution. The composites were made by compression molding and cured at a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius for 48 hours. The flexural and compression tests were conducted according to the ASTM standards in the universal testing machine. The maximum flexural and compressive properties are found for 1.62 percent nylon fiber reinforcement. The addition of a higher quantity of nylon fiber in the composites deteriorates the compressive and flexural properties. The energy absorption during flexural and compression tests is improved significantly due to nylon fiber reinforcement. The fiber-reinforced composites show the ability to carry a significant amount of load even after crack initiation.