Influence of fumed silica nanofiller and stacking sequence on interlaminar fracture behaviour of bidirectional jute-kevlar hybrid nanocomposite

• Published in: Polymer testing 2021-01, Vol.93, p.106898, Article 106898
• Main Authors: Maharana, Sunil Manohar, Pandit, Mihir Kumar, Pradhan, Arun Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fracture toughness; Fumed silica; Jute; Kevlar; Nanocomposites; Nanofiller
• ISSN: 0142-9418
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2020.106898

The present study aims to examine the influence of nanofiller content and stacking sequence on the interlaminar fracture properties of Jute-Kevlar hybrid nanocomposite. Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture properties are characterized by double cantilever beam (DCB) and end notch flexure (ENF) test samples. Bidirectional jute (J) and kevlar (K) fabrics are used as reinforcement. Nanoscaled fumed silica is used as filler reinforcement. Thirteen different types of composites are prepared with varying stacking sequences (i.e., Jute-Jute-Jute-Jute [JJJJ], Jute-Kevlar-Kevlar-Jute [JKKJ], Kevlar-Jute-Jute-Kevlar [KJJK], and Kevlar-Kevlar-Kevlar-Kevlar [KKKK]) and four nanofiller weight fraction (i.e., 0%, 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5%). It is noticed that interlaminar fiber bridging and interlaminar friction are the key factors influencing Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness, respectively. The presence of nanofiller plays a significant role in enhancing the key factors influencing the fracture toughness of the composites. A noticeable improvement in Mode II fracture toughness is found. The composite stacking sequence JKKJ with 3% fumed silica (JKKJ-3) possess maximum Mode II fracture toughness (951 J/m2), which is 37% more than kevlar fiber-reinforced composite (694 J/m2) (KKKK-0). The evidence of matrix tearing as a result of fiber pull-out, toughened matrix region, and nanofiller wrapping over the fiber are noticed from the optical microscope image of the fractured surface. •Influence of stacking sequence and nanofiller proportion on fracture toughness of Jute-Kevlar hybrid nanocomposite is studied.•Mode I and mode II tests were conducted by using Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and End Notch Flexure (ENF) specimen.•Fiber bridging and interlaminar friction are the key factors influencing the mode I and mode II fracture toughness of the composite, respectively.•A considerable improvement in mode II fracture toughness is noticed as compared to mode I fracture toughness.•Nanofiller acts as a crack deviating medium inside the composite, which requires extra energy for the crack to propagate.