HYBRID COMPOSITES OF SHORT BANANA

FIBRE AND GLASS FIBRE

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 1 Abstract
Variations in the tensile and impact
properties of banana fibre reinforced
polyester composites caused by the
addition of glass fibre have been
analysed. Banana fibre in combination
with glass has proved to be excellent for
making cost effective composite
materials. The effect of the arrangement
of glass and banana fibre in the
preparation of composites has also been
studied. A volume fraction of 0.11 glass
Part 3 - Chapter I mixed with banana fibre has given 54.5
% increase in the tensile strength and
HYBRID 196 % increase in the impact strength of
COMPOSITES OF the composites. Linear increase in
tensile strength has also been noted as a
SHORT BANANA result of the increase of glass. The tensile
FIBRE AND GLASS strength has shown the highest value when
a relative glass volume fraction of 0.17 is
FIBRE: used and an interleaving arrangement of
MECHANICAL ghss and banana fibre is followed.
PROPERTIES, However, when lower volume fraction of
gbss is used, an intimate mixture of
STRESS banana fibre and glass shows the highest
RELAXATION AND tensile strength. The impact strength
WATER shows the highest value when a relative
glass volume fraction of 0.11 is used.
ABSORPTION Stress relaxation and water absorption
BEHAVIOUR behaviour of the hybrid composites were
also investigated. Compared to the gum
sample, rate of stress relaxation of hybrid
composites with very low and very high
glass content was found to be much higher
during the initial stages of relaxation. Water
absorption behaviour showed a multistage
mechanism in ail hybrid composites. The
multistage mechanism was found to be
Part of this chapter had been pubiishec associated with the delamination in hybrid
in Polimery nr 11-12.1999 composites.

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Hybrrd Composrtes of Short Banana .. .23 1

3.1.1. Introduction

M u ~ t i c o m ~ o n e ncomposite
t materials comprising of two or more

families of fibres have been attracting the attention of researchers these years.

This is because, the usage of one type of fibre alone has proved to be inadequate

in satisfactorily tackling all the technical and economic problems confronted by

them while making fibre reinforced composites. These types of composites

introduce additional degrees of compositional freedom for its making and

provide yet another dimension to the potential versatility of fibre reinforced

composite materials. Therefore the ultimate strength of the system is the stress

level at which the elongation of the system has reached the ultimate elongation

of the fibre family. Attempts have been made by other researchers for the

preparation of hybrid composites of natural fibre and synthetic fibre to improve

the mechanical properties of the composites. In this chapter, attempts have been

made to improve the mechanical properties of the composite by the

incorporation of glass fibre, based on the reports of other researchers [I-91.

3.1.2. Results and Discussion

3.1.2a. Tensile stress-strain behaviour

In all the composite samples considered in the present cases, the total volume

hction of the fibres, namely, banana and glass were kept constant at 0.4. Relative

volume hctions of glass ranging born 0.03 to 0.17 were incorporated in the various

samples prepared

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Figure 3.1.1 Stress-strain behaviour of neat polyester and bananalpolyester with

fibre volume fraction 0. 4

Figure 3.1.1 represents the tensile stress-strain behaviour of neat

polyester and banana polyester with fibre volume fraction 0.4.

Figure 3.1.2 delineates the tensile stress-strain behaviour of bananafglass

hybrid composites with constant fibre volume fraction (banana fibre and glass

fibre) of 0.4 (within experimental error) and varying glass volume fraction. The

details of samples marked A to F is shown in Table 2.2 (Section I; Chapter 2).

Figure 3.1.2 Stress-strain behaviour of banana-glass hybrid composites with

constant fibre volume fraction (banana fibre~andglass-fibre)of 0 . 4
(within experimental error) and varying glass volume fraction

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Increase in glass volume fraction changes the general nature of the stress

strain curve. Aveston and Silwood [lo] studied the general nature of the stress-

strain curve of hybrids. Hybrid stress-strain curve, theoretically, has different

slope in the initial and final portion. When subjected to tension, the fibres

break over a range of stress instead of a single value predicted by theory. Stress-

strain curve ofthe hybrid composites with different glass volume fractions show an

inflection at a certain point. The point of inflection rises with an increase in glass

content except for samples with mark D. The point of inflection corresponds to the

limiting elongation of high modulus glass. Short and Summerscales [l 11 observed

that the minimum strength of the hybrid is proportional to the critical content of the

low modulus fibres. If the content of the low modulus fibres in the composite is

greater than the critical content, an inflection occurs in the stress-strain curve

corresponding to the limiting elongation of the high modulus material. The

fibrehatrix interface has a lot to do with the form of the stress-strain curve [12].

Increase in glass content helps in the mutual reinforcement of strength

characteristics by the low elongation glass and high elongation banana fibre.

Figure 3.1.3 shows the variation of tensile modulus of the hybrid samples

with glass volume fraction. Fibre length, fibre aspect ratio, relative moduli of the

fibre and matrix. thermal expansion mismatch etc. are all-important variables that

control the performance of a composite. Stiffness of the material has been

calculated as tangent modulus at elongations of 2, 4 and 5%. The modulus values

increase with increase in glass volume fraction. Glass fibre has a higher tensile

modulus than banana fibre and incorporation of high modulus glass increases

the tensile modulus of the composite.

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 Hybrid Composites of Short Banana ....234

Glass volume fraction

Figure 3.1.3 Variation of tensile modulus with glass volume fraction

volume fractlon.of glass

Figure 3.1.4 Variation of tensile strength of the hybrid composites with variation
of glass fibre volume fraction [total volume fraction of the two fibres
is 0.41

Figure 3.1.4 shows the variation of tensile strength of the samples with

respect to the variation of glass fibre volume fraction when the total volume

fraction of the two fibres is kept constant. Tensile strength of the samples increases

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linearly wit11 the increase in glass volume fraction. Hams and Runsell [13] have

noticed that occurrence of a hybrid effect, negative or positive will depend on

the relative volume fraction of the two fibres. As a result, the strength of thc

hybrid compositc in tension u~~iforinly

increases wit11 glass content. FIowever,

at relativcly higher glass content, failure by delaminatiol~occurs cmd the tensile

strcngth values show only a slight ellhancernent,

Figure 3.1.5 a,b,c Optical photographs of the failed samples with glass volume
fraction 0.1 I

Optical photographs of the failed samples in figure 3.1. 5 a, b and c

show delamination between the fibre layers. 111 hybrids of carbon and glass the

presence of higher cxtcnsion glass fibre has bee11 found to reduce the probability
 Hybrid Composites c?f Shorl Banana . . .,236

of failure of the lower extension carbon fibre resulting in a higher breaking

strength of the carbon fibres [14].

In the present study, thc increased tensile strength of the hybrid

composite can be attributed to the presence of high modulus glass fibres. When

the volume fraction of glass is changed from 0.1 1 to 0.15, the increase in tensile

strength is marginal. At high glass volurne fraction, the fracture occurs in the

composite ~nainlyby interlayer delamination.

Figure 3.1.6 a,b,c SEM photographs of the composites with glass volume
fraction 0.03, 0.11 and 0.15
 Hybrid Composites ofshort Banana ....237
~~~~~~ ~-
-

3.1.2.b. Effect of banana glass layering on the tensile strength

Different layering patterns were studied for composites marked A, C,

and F. Figure 3.1.7 represents the various tensile strength values of the different

layering patterns.

Figure 3.1.7 Tensile strength values of the different layering patterns

In composites marked A and C an intimate mixture of the two fibres

gave the highest tensile strength. Fischer et al. [I51 have found that when the

fibres are more intimately mixed. failure by delamination will be more difficult

because of the greater energy involved in creating the large amount of new

surface in an intimate mix than that required to cause delamination of a layered

hybrid. In composite marked F, the tensile strength for layering L2 and Lj are

almost similar in intimately mixed hybrids, the area of the high elongation

component to the low elongation component interface per unit volume will be

high compared to the composites where the fibres are not intimately mixed. In

an intimately mixed composite there will be only a small distance from the

failed fibre to the unfailed fibre. The full reinforcing strength therefore, will be

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Hybrid Composites of Short Banana .. .,238

redeveloped in the failed fibre within a short distance of the fracture surface. When

individual glass and banana layers are made, the tensile strength values are found to

be lower than that in an intimate mixture for composites with low glass content.

Bader and Manders [I61 noted that the hybrid effect was maximum only when the

layer thickness had a certain minimum value. Mohan et al. [2] also noted that when

the glass fibre reinforced plastic shell thickness was small, the resistance to withstand

strainwas insuficient and thus the specimen failed prematurely by fibre buckling.

3.1.2~.Impact strength of banana-glass hybrid composites

The impact performance of fibre-reinforced composites depends on

many factors including the nature of the constituents, fibrelmatrix interface, the

construction and geometry of the composite and test conditions. The impact

strength of the composites with varying glass volume fraction is shown in

Figure 3.1.8. lt is found to increase with increasing glass volume fraction.

A maximum value is observed around 0.1 1.

20 ! , . , . I . , .
0.00 0 05 0 10 0 15 0 20
volme fmason d glass

Figure 3.1.8 Impact strength of the composites with respect to glass volume
fraction

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Hybrid Composites ~/ShortBanana ....239

The impact energy of a composite occurs by factors like matrix Fracture,

fibretmatrix debonding and fibre pull out. Even though fibre pullout is believed

to be the important energy dissipation mechanism in long fibre reinforced

composites it occurs in short fibre composites as well [17]. The applied load,

transferred by shear to the fibres may exceed the fibretrnatrix interfacial bond

and debonding may occur. The frictional force along the interface may transfer

the stress to the debonded fibre. If the fibre stress level exceeds the fibre

strength, fibres may undergo fracture. The fractured fibres may be pulled out of

the matrix, which involves energy dissipation [18]. Many authors have stated

that the energy dissipated by fibre fracture is small [19]. The impact strength of

the composites increases linearly upto an optimum value of 0.11 and then

decreases slightly. The slight lowering of impact strength can be attributed to

the change in energy dissipation mechanism. At high glass fibre content, the

fracture mechanism is mainly fibre fracture, due to the brittle nature of glass.

However at lower glass volume fraction, the fracture mechanism is mainly by

fibre pullout due to the presence of higher volume fraction of banana fibre. A

synergistic effect of the two fibres leads to a linear increase initially.

3.1.2.d. Effect of glass-banana layering on the impact strength

Mallick and Broutman 1201 have reported that stacking sequence is more

important. than composition in determining toughness, and that different lay-

ups maxirnise different toughness parameters such as total energy, initiation energy or

propagation energy. Ln this study also, it is found that the arrangement of the fibre

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within the composite affects the value of impact strength. Figure 3.1.9 shows

the effect of layering on the impact strength.

Layering

Figure 3.1.9 Effect of layering on the impact strength

The highest value is obtained when banana and glass are kept as

interleaving layers. In this arrangement, the core thickness is very small. When

a crack tip approaches a fibre, the crack crosses the fibres and cuts them as well

as the matrix. Then the crack changes its direction and moves through the

matrix parallel to the fibres. Such debonding fracture consumes more energy by

creation of more surface area within the sample.

The impact strength shows a decrease with the decrease in the number of

layers. Unlike tensile strength, intimately mixed composites show the lowest

impact strength. Short and Summerscales [21] have reported a negative hybrid

effect in fracture tests of intimately mixed composites. Harris and Bunsell [13]

have reported that intimately mixed composites are inferior to interply lay-ups

in impact resistance because of the finer state of subdivision.

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 ufShor./ Banclnn . . ..24 1
Hyhrid Conlposife.~

Optical micrographs of the hybrid colnposite samples are givcn in

Figures 3.1.10a and b. Figures 3.1.10 a and b represents the crack propagation

at the fibrelmatrix interface.

x 100 x 100
a b
Figure 3.1.10 a,b Optical photographs of hybrid composite samples

3.1.2.e. Theoretical modelling

Hybrid reinforcing effect of the two fibres was theoretically calculated

using parallel and Hirsch model [22,23].

According to Parallel model

where X,, Xr, and X,,, are chai-acteristic strength property of composite, fibrc

and matrix respectively.

According to Hirsch's model,

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Hybrid Composites ofshort Banana ....242

where x varies between 0 and 1. The value of x determines the stress transfer

behveen fibre and matrix. The value of x is the determining factor in describing

the real behaviour of short fibre composites [24]. The composite strength

calculated using the above model was incorporated in the additive rule of hybrid

mixtures,

where Xh is the characteristic property of the hybrid composites. Theoretically,

the increase in volume fraction of glass increases the tensile strength linearly

upto a certain volume fraction thereafter a slight decrease is predicted.

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 .O 1.2

Volume fraction of glass fiber

Figure 3.1.11 Comparison of the experimental and theoretical values

The experimentally determined tensile strength values are found to be

higher than the theoretical predictions emphasising a positive hybrid effect.

Figure 3.1.1 1 represents the comparison of the experimental and theoretical

values. The relative glass fibre volume fraction based on the total fibre content

is represented in the X-axis

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Hybrid Composiles oJShorl Banana ....243

3.1.3. Effect of Hybridisation on Stress Relaxation

The physico chemical differences in different systems give rise to

difference in stress relaxation mechanism. The stress relaxation mechanisms are

complicated in short fibre composites, in that several factors are included. The

fibre length distribution, non-uniform bulk distribution of the fibres all affects

the stress relaxation mechanism. Relaxation in stress in a system can occur due

to a combination of factors namely molecular level arrangement in the fibre as

well as in the polymer. Chain scission between different molecular layers can

occur and also molecular slippage. Molecular rearrangement in turn can give

rise to an increase in crystallinity of the system.

0 1 2 3 4
log time (seconds)

Figure 3.1.12 Effect of hybridisation on the stress relaxation of the composites

Details of the samples A to F are given in the experimental chapter.

Samples refer to composites with different glass volume fractions and with

three layers.

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The amount of the amorphous and crystalline phase in the system also

affects the nature of the stress relaxation behaviour. In a randomly arranged

composite system, as the one under study, rearrangement of the fibres is also a

possibility when the system is subjected to stress.

Figure 3.1.12 shows the effect of hybridisation on the stress relaxation

of the composites.

Composites with glass volume fraction 0.03,0.15, and 0.17 were used in

the preparation of composites with glass mat as the core material. In all the

samples, there were three layers of the material, banana being the skin and glass

the core. The nature of the stress relaxation curve seems to be more or less the

same for composites with glass volume fraction 0.15 and 0.17. Non-linear

stress relaxation curve has been reported in thermosets such as polyester and

phenolics 1251. Stress relaxation behaviour reported in the case of oil palmlglass

hybrid composites also showed a reduced relaxation compared to the unhybridised

sample [26]. Composites with a glass fibre volume fraction of 0.03 have given a

stress relaxation curve with a change in the relaxation mechanism at around a time

span of 100 seconds. The difference in the relaxation curve could be explained

as due to the difference in the behaviour of the glass fibres, which form the

core. The intrinsic stress-relaxation behaviour of the reinforcing fibre plays an

important role in the relaxation process. Raman spectroscopy studies on the

deformation behaviour of cellulose fibres revealed that lignins are not the load

camers and that eventual failure of the fibre occurs due to slippage [27]. When

uniaxial tensile stress is applied, because the breaking strains of glass and

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banana fibres are different, both the fibres behave differently. The difference in

response of the two fibres is felt prominently in the stress relaxation curve of

composites with fibre volume fraction 0.03 i.e. sample marked A. In this sample,

the volume of banana fibre is comparatively higher and the corresponding higher

critical defects occurring on the fibre surface also lead to a difference in

response from the other systems. Apart from the intrinsic properties of the

interface or interphase, the stress distribution along the embedded fibre also

plays an important role in the overall performance of the composite [28]. Glass

fibres being brittle and of low elongation, behave differently from the banana

fibre when subjected to tensile stress and the change in the slope of the

relaxation curve can be explained as due to this. The fast decay in stress at the

glass fibre volume fraction 0.03 can be explained as due to the weak interfacial

bonding. The amount of glass fibres is not enough to impart high strength or

better interaction because the volume fraction is very low. In addition, better

dispersion of the fibres is not possible when the volume fraction is low.

The rate of stress relaxation is found to decrease with increasing glass

fibre content the reason being the difference in the nature of the two fibres.

Elastic glass fibre on combination with viscoelastic cellulose fibre the overall

nature of the relaxation curves gets affected. Change in the shape of the fibre tip

affects the maximum stress. The point of maximum stress concentration in a

square ended fibre system is located at a short distance from the fibre end,

whilst that in a round-tip fibre system is at the fibre tip. Since the two fibres are

different in shape, it results in a difference in stress concentration between the two.

However, at higher glass volume fractions the effect of the fibres opposes each

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other and the slope of the stress relaxation curves are found to be in the same

range. It is interesting to note that the relaxation rate is almost the same for

composites with high glass fibre content. Composites with high cellulose

content however show a higher rate of stress relaxation with a greater slope. In

other words, the stress relaxation properties are believed to be controlled mainly

by the cellulose fibre component.

3.1.4. Water Absorption Behaviour of the Hybrid Composites

Figure 3.1.13 shows the moisture absorption curves for various hybrid

composites with different relative glass fibre volume fractions of banana-glass

at room temperature.

0 20 , 40 60 80 1W
Rod tirne(minutes)

Figure 3.1.13 Water absorption curves for various fibre volume fractions of
banana-glass hybrid composites at room temperature

The water absorption curves show a multistage mechanism in the hybrid

composites studied. In all the samples, glass was kept as the core material and

banana as the skin. The peculiar sorption curves of the composite can be

attributed 10 the nature of the polymer as well as that of the fibre. The initial

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absorption of water into the composite occurs mainly through the matrix

material and partly through the fibre. Based on the fibrelmatrix interaction, the

water diffusion occurs through the interface and from there to the bulk material.

In addition, transport of water takes place through micro cracks, which occur,

on the surface of the composite and also through micro channels, which occur

inside the material due to defects [29]. The diffusion of water through natural

fibres has been reported to be anomalous [30]. Reports are also there in the

literature on the penetration of solution through the polyester, which is

facilitated by capillary effects through the matrix [31] and wicking along the

polymerlglass interface [32]. Composites with higher glass content, 0.16,0.17 i t .

where banana fibre content is low is seen to give a two step water absorption curve

whereas composites with glass volume tiaction, 0.07,O.ll and 0.15 are found to give

a three stage water absorption mechanism. Figure 3.1.14 shows the variation in

equilibrium water content of the composites with increasing glass volume fraction.

' L-W
06

13 7
302 004 006 008 volume
Glass fract~on
010 012 014

Figure 3.1.14 Variation in equilibrium water content of the composites with

016 018 020

increasing relative glass volume fraction

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In all the samples, the same geometry of glass as the core and banana as

the periphery material was followed. The response of the addition of

impermeable fibres to permeable fibre composites is clear from the graph. The

maximum water content decreases with increase in glass volume. The

observation stems from the fibre nature. The difhsion mechanism is obviously

multistage in all the samples. The initial portion of the moisture absorption

curve is linear. The mechanism changes after that. In the hybrid composites, the

change in mechanism is attributed to the delamination occurring in the

composites. Penetration of water into the matrix causes absorption of water by

the fibres as well. The rate of absorption of water is different for the two fibres.

Glass fibres principally consist of silicates of various metals. When immersed in

water, the nucleophilic attack of the - O H at silicon takes place, with the

formation of a transition complex followed by the breakage of the bonds, and

formation of new bonds. In the case of cellulose fibres, hydrogen bonding

through the --OH of the glucose molecule is the principal water absorption

method. The absorption of water causes delamination of the two layers of the

fibre as well as the delamination of the fibre and matrix. This causes finther

absorption of water into the free voids. The steep change in the absorption curve

can be explained as due to the uptake of water into the free voids created by the

delamination.

The nature of water absorption through the polyester resin has been

reported to be due to various reasons by several authors. A polyester chain end

-OH, oxygen of the ester links or the residual cobalt ions are all sites for

hydrogen bond tbrmation [33].

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The diffusion coefficient D can be calculated from the equation

where 0 is the slope of the linear portion of the sorption curves and h the initial

sample thickness. The diffusion co-efficient characterises the ability of the

solvent molecules to move among the polymer segments. The value of diffusion

coefficient in the case of samples with different glass fibre volume fraction is

considered.

The value of diffusion coefficient is found to be the lowest in the case of

samples with high glass fibre content at room temperature (Table 3.1.1).

However, at 50 and 90°C the value is found to be the highest at high glass

volume fraction. This may be due to the possible delamination and crack

formation. The moisture permeability in the case of natural fibres is

responsible for thahigh diffusion coefficient of the samples with high banana

fibre content. The maximum water uptake of the composites with high banana

is found to be the highest at 90°C. The higher water uptake at high

temperature can be attributed to the increased capillary action. In other words

diffusion of water through the capillaries of the natural fibre increments with

increase in temperature.

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Table 3.1.1 The values of the diffusion coefficient of the various hybrid samples
at different temperature
Diffusion Sorption Permeability
Temperature
Sample coefficient, coefficient, coefficient,
("C) - D (cm2i') S(g/g) P (cm2s-')
30 2.62E-10 0.16 4.2E-11

Increase in temperature opens up the pores of the natural fibre, thereby

increasing the water uptake. The strong sorption power is the physicochemical

peculiarity of natural fibre. A strong chemisorption of water molecules by

interaction with the hydroxyl groups of the polymer takes place, followed by a

multilayer sorption at medium relative humidity and a capillary condensation of

free water at high relative humidity.

Cellulose-water interaction depends strongly on the supramolecular

structure of the specimen in question, and on the factors such as temperature.

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For example, from this study it is clear that the maximum water uptake of the

sample A is only 0.01 at temperatures 30, 50 and 70°C. At 90°C, the

maximum water uptake is increased to 0.09 due to the activation of the

diffusion by temperature and also due to the delamination at high temperature.

The increased absorption at high temperature also points to the fact that curing

reaction was over in the resin. Increase in temperature gives rise to resin

cracking and thereby water absorption at higher temperature.

The Qt values have been determined in all hybrid composites systems.

At high glass volume content the value of Q, was found to be lowered with increase

of temperature. Difhsion coefficient of the samples were calculated based on Q,

values. No regular trend in diffusion coefficient could be observed. The sorption

coefficient of the composite also has been calculated using the equation 2.4.3.

The diffusion coefficient is related to the equilibrium sorption of the penetrant.

The permeabilities, P, of the composite samples to water molecules can be

expressed using the equation 2.4.4 (Section 11; Part 2, Chapter 4) [34].

Permeability therefore talks about the net effect of sorption and

diffusion. Ln most cases, value of the permeability coefficient is found tc

increase with temperature. Development of micro cracks on the surface and thc

bulk of the material as a result of the effect of high temperature and moisture

environment can be given as the reason for the increase. Moreover, the value

of the permeabil~tycoefficient is found to be the lowest in the case of samples

with the maximum glass fibre content Peeling and surface dissolution of the

composite take place as a result of these crack developments [35].

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'To understand the mechanism of sorption, the moisture uptake data of

bananalpolyester composites w a fitted to the equation 2.4.5.(Section 11; Part 2,

Chapter 4).

In this equation, n and k give an idea about the mechanism of diffusion

that takes place inside the composite. Table 3.1.2 gives the values of n and k for

various hybrid composites. It is interesting to note that the values of n and k

increase with increase of temperature. The maximum value of n and k are

obtained at 90°C. However the k value of the untreated composite shows some

variation. The increase of k at high temperature clearly shows the high extent

of interaction of water molecules at high temperature. The low value of n

(10.5) clearly shows that the mechanism of transport deviates from Fickian.

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Table 3.1-2 Values of n and k for the various hybrid composites

Values
.
of n and k for the various hybrid composites
Sample TemperaturerC) n k (gig min-")
30 0.15 0.07

Untreated

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Reinforced Thermosets", SKC, University of Surrey., U. K. (1978)

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 ~
Hybrid Composites of Shorl Banana ...,255
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Vol. l I , 1980, p. 33.

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Orlando, Florida (1995)

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(1991)

J. Zhou and .I. P. Lucas, Comp. Sci. and Tech., 53,57 (1995)

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 Abstract

The importance of dynamic mechanical

I
analysis as a tool in the study of the
behaviour of composite structures is
paramount. Hybrid composites of glass
and banana fibre in polyester matrix were
subjected to dynamic mechanical
analysis over a range of temperature and
frequencies. Parameters like storage
modulus (E'), loss modulus (E") and loss
factor or damping efficiency (tan 6) were
determined in a resonant frequency mode.
All the properties were compared with those
of the gum samples and the un-hybridised
composites. At temperatures above T, the
storage modulus values decrease even

Part 3 - Chapter 2
with the addition of glass fibre for the
geometry where glass is the core
material. The value of the storage
modulus above the glass transition
temperature is found to be still lower than
DYNAMIC that below the glass transition
MECHANICAL temperature in the particular geometry
with glass as the core and banana as the
ANALYSIS OF skin. The reason for the peculiar
behaviour can be associated with the
BANANAIGLASS difference in the nature of the interface of
the two fibres with the polyester matrix
HYBRID FIBRE and also with the delamination occurring
in the material due to the particular
REINFORCED geometry adopted. The loss modulus
POLYESTER curves and the damping peaks were
flattened by the addition of glass. Effect
COMPOSITES ~f the glass-layering pattern on the
properties of the composite were also
investigated. Layering pattern or the
geometry of the composites was found to
have a profound effect on the dynamic
properties of the composite. An intimately
mixed composite gave the highest
storage modulus values in all
compositions. The values are consistent
#ith the results of tensile strength. The
tan 6 curves were affected by the
layering pattern followed and gave
Results of th~s chapter have beer insiaht into the interactions in the
communicated to the Journal of the
Institute of Materials, Malaysia

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 ~- ~.~
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of:...257

3.2.1. Introduction

Dynamic mechanical spectroscopy is an effective tool to understand the

structure-property relationship and interface in multiphase polymer systems [I-131.

Hybridisations of banana fibres with glass fibres have been proved to improve

the mechanical performance and the water absorption behaviour of the

composites [14]. We have reported on the mechanical behaviour of hybrid

composites in an earlier chapter. Relatively small volume fractions of glass

ranging from 0.03 to 0.17 were incorporated along with banana fibres in the

preparation of composites, keeping the total volume hction of the two fibres a

constant equal to 0.4. In addition, different layering patterns were followed to

understand the effect of layering patterns on the mechanical properties and water

uptake of the composites. The main objective of this chapter is to investigate the

performance of the hybrid composites under dynamic conditions. The effect of

the relative glass volume fraction as well as the layering patterns on the

properties of the composites like storage modulus, loss modulus and damping

peaks are proposed to be investigated. A literature search has shown that

investigation of this q p e has not been carried out in the last ten years for hybrid

composite systems of synthetic and natural fibres. The nature of the storage

modulus and damping peaks give an idea about the load transfer efficiency

between the polymer and the reinforcement and it is proposed to investigate and

choose the banana/glass ratio based on the nature of the results.

In this chapter we report on the dynamic mechanical behaviour of

bananalglass hybrid composites with special reference to the effect of relative

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 -- - -
Dynamrc Mechanical Analysis of:. .,258

glass volume fraction and layering pattern on the storage modulus, loss modulus

and the damping behaviour of the composites.

3.2.2. Results and Discussion

3.2.2a. Storage modulus

DMA is one of the best techniques that provide information regarding

the structure of the material as well as the quantitative data regarding the

modulus of the material. The effect of temperature on the storage modulus of

the various hybr~dsamples with different glass fibre volume fraction, at a

frequency 10Hz. is given in Figure 3.2.1. The storage modulus values of the

hybrid composites have been compared with those of the unhybridised samples

as well as the gum samples. It may be noted that in all the samples referred to as

A to F in Figure 3.2.1, there are three layers with glass as the core and banana as

the skin. The details of the layering pattern and the volume of glass fibre used are

shown in the experimental chapter. The samples marked A to F shows composites

with increasing relative glass volume fraction, ranging from 0.03 to 0.17. Plots

of storage modulus allow for the direct comparison of a variety of materials that

may be considered as candidates for an application. Any drop in the storage modulus

points to the tnolecdar motions happening in a material. Addition of reinforcement

to a polymer increases the modulus of the system because the reinforcement

prevents the free molecular motions to an extent. The effect is usually found to

be noticeable at temperatures above the glass transition than below it, because

molecular motions become prominent above the glass transition. The plot of E'

over the whole range of temperature reflects the effectiveness of the stress

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 - ~~~ ~ -~
~ .
-
Dynamic Mechanical Analvsis of.. ..259

transfer occumng between the fibre and the matrix. The value of the storage

modulus has been reported to be proportional to the interface bonding by other

authors [1 51.

Figure 3.2.1 Effect of temperature on the storage modulus values of hybrid

composites

In all the samples considered in Figure 3.2.1, glass has been used as the

core material and banana fibre as the skin. The storage modulus values for

samples with glass as the core material is found to be lower than that of the gum

samples at temperatures above and below Tp. However, at the glassy region, of

all the hybrid composites considered, the storage modulus values are found to be the

highest for samples with the glass fibre volume fiaction, 0.16. i.e. samples marked E.

The modulus values however, drop steadily at a temperature around 55OC. The drop

in the storage modulus value at temperature below the glass transition

temperature of' polyester i.e. in the glassy region can be explained as due to the

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 .~-. ~ ~ Dynamic Mechanical Analysis af....260

following reasons. The glass fibre being the core material and the banana fibre

being the skin, the stress will be taken up by the low modulus banana fibre

initially. This leads to composite failure by the initial delamination between the

two fibre layers. After the initial drop in modulus value at the temperature

around 55"C, the composite samples show a second drop in modulus at the

temperature range of 120-150°C. Thereafter, the modulus values just level off.

The reason for the higher storage modulus at lower temperature in all

composite samples, compared to the values at higher temperature can be

attributed to the delamination occurring in the samples especially at higher

temperature. At higher temperature and also at dynamic loading conditions, the

bonding between the different fibre layers gets affected more. When the

temperature is increased, the difference in strength between the two fibres

becomes more. 7he main reason for the delamination between the two layers is

due to the difference in the ability to cany stress by the two fibres and also the

difference in the interfacial properties of the two fibres with the polyester matrix.

It has been reported that glass fibres have the highest strength when

absorption of moisture is eliminated at high temperatures, because on heating,

there is high elastic and plastic deformation which promotes healing of the

micro defects and micro cracks developed on the fibres [16]. This strength

difference gives rise to higher shear stresses in the composite and also to a

decrease in storage modulus value. In all the samples considered, a layer of glass

was kept in between the banana layers. Optical photograph of the composite with

glass as the core material is given in Figure 3.2.2.

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 Uyjnrnic Mechn17iculAnalqsis of: . ..26 I

XlOO
Figure 3.2.2 Optical photograph of the failed composite with glass as the core
material (sample A)

Dynamic loading and high temperature augments the incompatibility of

the libre layers, possibly due to the difference in the thermal expansion

coefficient of the two fibres. This also reduces the storage modulus values.

Delarninatiot~of the material, under dynamic loading conditions, in addition

gives rise to the lowering of the storage modulus values. Another reason for

the lowering of the storage modulus value can be attributed to the difference in

the extensibility of the two fibres. The difference in the extensibility of the matrix

and fibre as well as that between the two fibres leads to unevenness of deformation.

Changes in the filler agglomerates and or breakage of filler polyrner bonds, all lead

to changes in dynamic properties. All these occur more at higher ten~perat~lres

and at higher glass fibre content except For the glass volulne fraction, 0.16. Tlle

seaon can very well be attributed to the uneven extensibility of the two tibres,

which becomes more prominent at higher glass fibre content. The storage n~odulus

values also give an insight into the nature of the interface bonding. However, the
 .~ -- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of: .. ,262

tensile strength values showed an increasing trend with the incorporation of glass

volume fraction.

3.2.2b. Loss modulus

The loss modulus curve is the contribution of the viscous component in

the polymer and is indicative of the energy dissipated by the system. The rapid

rise in loss modulus in a system indicates an increase in the structural mobility

of the polymer, a relaxation process that permits motions along larger portions

of the individual polymer chains than would be possible below the transition

temperature. During the glass transition, which is the largest and most important

of these relaxations, those regions within the polymer structure that are not

either crystallised or cross-linked, become capable of an increased degree of

fieedom. The variation of E" with temperature for the various hybrid composites

and the gum sample is shown in Figure 3.2.3. The maximum heat dissipation

occurs at the temperature where E" is maximum, indicating the T, of the system [17].

The peak of the loss modulus c w e is conventionally identified as the glass

transition temperature (Tg), even though the DMA plot clearly shows that the

transition is a process that spans a temperature range. The magnitude of the loss

modulus peak varies with the severity of the decline in the storage modulus.

During a transition, the loss modulus goes to a rise due to the sudden decline in

the storage modulus, which occurs due to the molecular motions occumng in

the polymer. However, the sharp drop in storage modulus in the present case is

expected to be more due to the delamination of the different layers than the

molecular motions.

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 .- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of:.. ,263

-X- BananalPolyerter
-X- Nest polyester

4 , . , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ~
20 40 60 60 100 120 140 160 180 200 220
Temperature ("C)

Figure 3.2.3 Effect of temperature on the loss modulus curve

The reinforcement also acts as efficient energy transfer agent and the

loss modulus peak is found to be reduced pointing to the reduced effect the

glass transition has on the storage modulus of the material. It is also observed

that by the incorporation of fibres in the matrix, the T, is shifted to higher

temperature region. Increase in the relative glass volume fraction, shifts the

peak region positively. This points to the improved stress transfer at higher

glass fibre content. In addition, the loss modulus curves show an additional peak

when the glass volume iiaction is higher. The initial relaxation peak around 55OC

has also been found to be affected depending on the glass volume fraction.

Compared to the samples with no glass fibre, the relaxations are found to be

shifted to the higher temperature side. However, the loss modulus peaks are

found to be lowered by the incorporation of glass fibre. In addition to the

lowering, the loss modulus curves are also found to be flattened. Flattening of

the loss modulus curves point to an increased range of order. The second

relaxation peak around the temperature range 120°C has also been found to be

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 ~~
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of.. .,264

affected by the incorporation of glass fibre. It has been reported by other authors

that in the case of hybrid composites, a change in the volume fraction ratio of the

two types of fibres leads to a change in their fibre lengths. The change in fibre

length arises due to the damage caused by the friction of the different fibres.

This can occur during the processing of the composites. Even though this has
r

been suggested in processes like injection moulding, the likelihood of fibre

breakage cannot be ruled out in the present case also.

3.2.2~.Damping coefficient

The damping is a sensitive indicator of all kinds of molecular motions

that are going on in a material. The high damping peaks in a composite indicate

that once the deformation is induced in a material, the material will not recover its

original shape. In a composite, the molecular motions at the interface contribute to

the damping of the material. Fibdmatrix inter phase effects can also be understood

to a very good extent based on the damping curves. The lower tan delta values and in

particular the lower peak height associated with the glass transition, reflects the

improved load bearing properties of the system. Strong interactions of fibres and

matrix tend to reduce the mobility of the molecuIar chains at the interface and

therefore to reduce the damping. Figure 3.2.4 shows the effect of temperature on the

damping peaks of the composites with different relative glass volume fractions.

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 --
Dynamrc Mechanrcal Analysrs of ...265

Figure 3.2.4 Effect of temperature on the tan Gcurve of different hybrid samples
(Frequency 10Hz.)

Analysis of the damping curves (Figure 3.2.4) reveals that the damping

peaks have been lowered and that the relaxation peaks have been shifted to the

right. Both the lowering of the damping peaks and the shifting of the peak

heights point to the effective stress transfers between the fibre and the matrix.

The lowering of the damping peaks also occur due to the decrease in the amount

of the polymer due to fibre incorporation. The increased stress transfer can be

attributed to the increase in the high modulus glass fibre. Unlike the storage

modulus and the loss modulus curves where there is a lowering of the ultimate

values, due to the delamination between the different fibres, the damping peaks

point to the fibreirnatrix interaction alone.

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 Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of...,266
- ~ --

Table 3.2.1 Values of the tan 6 maximum and T, of neat polyester and banana
fibre composites with relative glass volume fractions
--
1 --

j _ _
tan 6 ,
, T, from tan 6 ("C)

{ --;y
Samples Frequency (Hz.) Frequency (Hz.)
1 10 0.1 1 10
p~ .

A 0.22 0.20 107 116 131

B
i 0.24 0.17 0.20 117 128 135
C 10.15 0.12 0.11 122 125 127
D I 033 0.28 0.27 119 127 135
E 0.39 0.25 0.21 122 126 129
F 1 0.43 0.32 0.30 126 127 132
Ban/poly 0.21 0.24 0.22 106 115 133
104 114 124
Gm .]~E".-
Max*-
0.42 !!0.45
1O.'(P~) : T, from E("C)
-
A 6.8 6.9 6.5 113 120 124

C
~
I 6.7
6.7
6.8
6.5
6.6
128
122
130
124
122
124
j 6.4 6.5 6.5 125 125 119
E 1 6.6 6.9 6.5 125 130 127
F 6.5 6.6 6.5 124 129 120
i 79 103 124
Untreated 1 7.72 7.68 7.75
Gum 7.53 7.97 7.98 85 95 105
i ~

3.2.2d. Effect of layering pattern

l;igure3.2.5 shows the effect of layering patterns on the storage modulus

values of the different composites.

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 Dynam~cMechanical Anolys~sof. . .,267
--.- -

Figure3.2.5 Effect of layering patterns on the storage modulus values of the

composites with glass volume fraction 0.11

Table 3.2.2 gives details ofthe layering patterns followed.

Table 3.2.2 Details of layering pattern

Sample marking Layering pattern

.-

LI G-B-G-B-G-B-G-B-G
L2 Intimate mixture of G and B
L3 G-B-G
4 G-B
L5
-~- G-B-G-B-G
G -glass,
I3 -banana.

The storage modulus values of the composites with a glass fibre volume

fraction of 0.1 1 are given in Figure 3.2.5. The different layering patterns that

are followed are given by L,, L2 etc. and they are designated as CII, C12 etc in

samples with a glass volume fraction, 0.1 1. In all the cases, samples where an

intimate mixture of glass and banana has been used as the reinforcement is

found to have the highest tensile properties i.e. the samples marked C12. The

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 ~ -- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of.. .,268

consistently high storage modulus value in the case of intimately mixed

composites can be attributed to the high elongation fibres acting as crack

arrestors in the case of a matrix failure. Unlike in the other geometries followed,

the fibres being intermingled, failure of the matrix or the low elongation fibre

will give way to crack arrest by the high elongation fibres. The high shear strain

stored in the interphase due to the mismatch between the fibre and the matrix

properties will also be minimised when the two fibres are intimately mixed. In

the case of composites with different layering arrangements, the stress

concentration at the crack tip induces interlaminar delamination. The material in

the periphery takes the stress and in composites where glass is kept in the

periphery, the high modulus glass fibres will take the stress and delamination

between the different layers is prevented to an extent. This leads to relatively

higher strength values compared to composites where banana is the skin.

In addition, the polymer chains immobilised on the fibre surface make a

link between the fibres, creating a flexible network whose properties are

dependent on the modulus of these chains. These additional networks serve as

supplementary cross-link points. The nature of the network is different in the

case of banana fibre and glass fibre. In dynamic experiments, the two networks

respond in a different way. But depending on the way in which the different

fibre layers are arranged, the responses of the materials differ, which is revealed

in the modulus values. The difference in response gets nullified based on the

fibre arrangement. Chazean et al. [I81 have suggested formation of networks on

the surface ot cellulosic fibres.

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 Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of....269

3.2.2e. Damping coefficient

Figure 3.2.6 shows the effect of layering pattern on the damping curve

of the composites with glass volume fraction 0.1 1. All the damping curves show

two peaks irrespective of the layering pattern followed. The damping peaks

also get shifted depending on the layering patterns followed. The maximum

shifting of the damping peaks occur in the case of samples marked CISand CIS.

In samples marked '213, banana forms the core material and glass the skin. In

samples marked CIS,there are altogether five layers, with glass as both the skin

and the core and banana layers in between. In both the samples, glass forms the

periphery. Moreover, the glass and banana layers are interdispersed.

O O O G I
0 50 100 150 2M)

Temperature("C)

Figure 3.2.6 Effect of layering on the damping curves of the composite with glass
volume fraction 0.11

In the different layering patterns followed, the composite with five layers,

where glass forms both the core and the skin has given the maximum impact properties

as well [19]. The s h i h g of the damping peak to the high temperature region points to

the effective stress transfer between the fibre and the matrix in the particular geometry

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 Q)~nnnticMecllanical Anaiy,si,sof:. . ,270

followed. Table 3.2.3 shows the values of thc clamping peaks obtained for composites

with a relative glass volume fiaction of 0.1 1 and wilh different layering patterns.

Table 3.2.3 Values of tan 6 max obtained for composites with relative glass
volume fraction 0.11 and different layering pattern

Sample Tm 6 max Tg from tan C

8' ,,
C 0.127 123
C11 0.182 122
C12 0.193 117

For intimately mixed composites also, the damping peak values are

more or less the same as that of the composites with glass as the periphery

material. In intimately mixed composites, the high elongation cellulose fibres

serve as crack arrestors in a micro mechanical way, better than in layered

composites, and help in etlective stress transfer. Optical photograph of the intimately

rnixcd composite is given in Figure 3.2.7. The broken glass fibres and the cellulose

fibres, which act as blidges can very well be seen in the optical photographs.

Figure 3.2.7 Optical photographs of the failed composite with an intimate

arrangement of glass and banana(relative glass volume fraction 0.1)
 -
. - . -- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of....27 I

'l'he three-layer composite samples, where glass forms the core material is

found to have a damping curve different fiom that of the other samples. The

difference in the nature of the damping curves can be attributed to the delamination

occurring in the composite. The two fibres take the stress applied on the

composite differently. 'The high modulus glass fibre being the core material, the

banana fibres will take the stress.

In all glasshanana combinations, there are two peaks visible. The additional

peak can be attributed to the micro mechanical transitions. The micro mechanical

transitions arise due to the presence of the immobilised polymer layer in between

the fibre and the matrix as explained in the earlier chapters.

Other authors have also reported on the additional peak due to the

presence of the immobilised polymer layer [20]. The intensity of the additional

tan 6 peak is found to be greater due to the difference in the nature of the

immobilised polymer layer on the two different fibres. The tan S peak also gets

shifted depending on the layering pattern.

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