An investigation of the mechanical characteristics of natural particle-reinforced glass and epoxy composites after immersion in acidic and basic aging solutions

Abstract

This study aimed to ascertain the alterations in aging responses of fiber-reinforced composites, as well as the effects of their natural particle reinforcement, through exposure to acidic and alkaline solutions. Specimens were produced with 0 wt. % (neat), 1 wt. %, 2 wt. % and 3 wt. % particle ratios from acorn and pinecone particles. A particle content of 2 wt. % was determined to yield the best mechanical properties in all mechanical tests conducted for pinecone reinforcement. The highest improvement in strength, observed in 3 wt. % pinecone-reinforced composites, reached 22.5% at flexural strength. HCl and NaOH diluted in water were chosen as aging solutions. Mechanical tests were repeated at different stages of aging. According to the findings, 1 wt. % particle-reinforced composites showed better resilience to the mechanical property reduction effect of aging compared to the 2 wt. % and 3 wt. % particle-reinforced composites. At a particle ratio of 2 wt. %, the acorn-reinforced specimens exhibit their highest maximum penetration force, which is 5% higher than that of the 0 wt. % composite, consistent with the results of tensile and compressive tests. Highlights: Composite material was manufactured by hand lay-up and vacuum bagging method. Specimens were aged using acid and base solutions. Tensile, compressive, and bending results were obtained depending on particle type and ratio. Tensile, compressive, and bending strengths of composites were compared according to various aging times.