Thermal analysis of hybrid composites reinforced with Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ filler particles

This work focuses on the investigation and comparison of thermal analysis of three newly prepared composite materials consisting of jute fiber and glass fiber with nanoparticles (Al₂O₃ and SiO₂). Jute fiber was embedded with glass fiber to improve the mechanical properties. Epoxy resin, particle(Al₂O₃ and SiO₂) and hardener are bonded in three weights (g) 150:0:15, 150:5:15, and 150:15:15 for composite-1, composite-2, and composite-3 respectively. Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) methods are utilized to identify the thermal behavior of tested composites. The TGA and DSC are utilized to measure the degradation and decomposition of the composite materials. In addition to that, the correlation between theoretical and experimental values was figured out using model equations, and the acceptable level (R²) was presented. The analytical results and the investigational results showed good agreement with them. TGA results showed that the composites-1, composites-2 and composites-3 are thermally stable until 300 °C in nitrogen. Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ enhanced mechanical properties. Most of the composites are approximately 50% of the decomposition fallen within a temperature between 350 °C and 400 °C. The result also showed that the specific heat capacity and total heat absorption during the process of composites are 0.48 J/g °C to 1.4 J/g °C and 135 J to 175 J, respectively. The addition of Al₂O₃, the DSC curve peak temperature of the composites has been diminished. The thermal stability of composite are notably reduced due to the incorporation of Al₂O₃ and SiO₂. (paper)