Effects of surface-modified pineapple fibre-reinforced micro B₄C and CTBN rubber particle toughened epoxy hybrid composites in mechanical, impact damage, thermal and water absorption behavior

In this present work, the drop load impact damage, mechanical, thermal and water absorption behaviour of surface-modified pineapple fibre reinforced micro boron carbide (B₄C) and carboxyl-terminated acrylonitrile butadiene (CTBN) rubber toughened epoxy composites are studied. The principal aim of this research is to unveil the effects of surface modification and the role of adding microparticles into the resin matrix. The natural fibre and microparticles were surface-treated by an amino silane (3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS). The silanization process was done in aqueous solution. The epoxy hybrid composites were prepared using hand lay method. The impact damage results revealed that addition of surface-modified CTBN micro rubber along with pineapple fibre and micro B₄C improved the damage resistance. Similarly, the mechanical and thermal results revealed that additions of surface-modified B₄C and CTBN rubber microparticles improved the tensile, flexural and Izod impact damage behaviour with better thermal stability. The contact angle of the hybrid composites showed a higher contact angle, which shows higher hydrophobicity. The fractography images showed improved bonding and effective dispersion of microparticles in the matrix. These mechanical, thermal and impact damage resistance composites are highly sought after in structural, hybrid vehicles and mini-aircraft applications. (paper)