Effect of Reinforcement Alignment to the Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite

Siti Rabiatull Aisha, Idris and Muhammad Hadzreel, M. R. Aeyzarq (2013) Effect of Reinforcement Alignment to the Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite. Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Sciences (JMES) , 4. pp. 548-554. ISSN 2289-4659 (print); 2231-8380 (online). (Published)

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Abstract

Numerous applications have been proposed and demonstrated for producing align-fiber composite. However, none had stated a right procedure to align the fiber to optimize the properties of polymer matrix composite (PMC) such as its strength and water absorption property. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the best alignment of reinforcement material in order to optimize the properties of PMC in its application. In this study, woven roving fiberglass was used as the fiber and unsaturated polyester resin as its matrix material. Hand lay-up process was used to fabricate the laminated composite. The specimens were divided into four major categories with different alignment and thickness of fiber and matrix which were 5 layers bidirectional, 5 layers multidirectional, 7 layers bidirectional, and 7 layers multidirectional. Tensile test showed that bidirectional alignment was better in term of mechanical properties compared to multidirectional alignment. The 5 layers bidirectional have a higher tensile strength compared to 5 layers multidirectional. While 7 layers bidirectional have a higher tensile strength compared to 7 layers multidirectional. The modulus of elasticity of bidirectional alignment was higher than multidirectional alignment. Bidirectional alignment was better because the external tensile load was equally distributed on all the fibers and transmitted along the axis of the fibers. Whereas in case of multidirectional alignment, fiber axes was non-parallel to load axis, resulting in off axis pulling of fibers and increased stress concentration causing the earlier failure of laminates. Water absorption test showed that multidirectional alignment absorbs more quantity of water compared to bidirectional alignment. Therefore, multidirectional alignment was not suitable for underwater application such as boat, canoe and yacht. It can be concluded that, the properties of PMC depending on the alignment of reinforcement material.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Indexed in Googler Scholar, DOAJ, Ebscohost
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Reinforcement material; Polymer matrix composite and alignment
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Faculty/Division:	Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr. Siti Rabiatull Aisha Idris
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2014 02:06
Last Modified:	15 Jan 2018 07:49
URI:	http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/5206
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