Studies on Hybrid Bio-Nanocomposites for Structural Applications

Abstract: The present work emphasizes the synthesis of bio-nanocomposites using PLA and epoxy resin-based matrices through solution casting technique. An optimized 20% PLA-epoxy combination is further reinforced with nanofillers of graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Dosage of the nanofillers is varied from 0.2 to 0.4 wt.% to develop bio-nanocomposites. Microstructure, characteristic studies such as SEM, TGA, and FTIR of the developed hybrid bio-nanocomposites are studied for the behavior of the novel material synthesized. From the experimental results obtained, hybrid bio-nanocomposites with 0.2 wt.% of graphene showed an increase in tensile and flexural strength, whereas MWCNT 0.3 wt.% showed an increase in tensile strength and 0.2 wt.% showed an increase in flexural strength compared to other weight percentages of both nanofillers (NFs). Further the SEM micrographs showed uniform distribution of NFs in the epoxy-PLA matrix. However, beyond 0.2wt.% of NFs dosage in the matrix the mechanical properties deteriorated due to non-uniform distribution of the nanofillers as seen in SEM micrographs. Experiments results are validated using FEM analysis for both hybrid bio-nanocomposites and epoxy/PLA composites. The results showed good agreement with an error of 10%. Hence 0.2 wt.% graphene and 0.3 wt.% MWCNT reinforced hybrid bio-nanocomposites could be used as an alternative material for automotive component applications. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]