Flax- and Graphene-Reinforced Natural Fiber Nanocomposites under Cryogenic Environment for Constructional Applications

Abstract

Mostly at the micro- and nanoscales, efforts were made to produce innovative thermoplastic nanocomposite materials. These composites were reinforced with natural fibres and artificial additives with improved mechanical characteristics. This research entails the creation of a novel nanocomposite material made up of unsaturated polyester resin, graphite at the nanoscale, and flax fibres at the microscale. Flax fibres make up 4, 8, and 12% of the binding matrix’s weight, respectively. A constant quantity of nanoparticles equal to 4 wt% of the binding matrix is used. In order to stick the graphene to natural fibres, an appropriate surface alteration approach is needed, and this work will focus on the plasma technique of interface adherence. Fibres were employed as a reinforcement with polyester to create a nanocomposite that improved adherence between the fillers while also retaining the matrix alkalisation. In order to assess interferential adherence and fibre distribution homogeneity in the matrix system, the composite was made up of hand lay-up technique. The manufactured composite was engrossed into fluid N2 at -196°C. A SEM was utilized to undertake treated and untreated specimens for spectroscopy analyses. Mechanical possessions like tension and flexural were accomplished. In comparison to previous tested doses, the 5 percent alkali-treated flax incorporating graphite has shown promising outcomes than other samples.