Characterization Studies on Vetiveria Zizanioides Natural Fiber and Graphene Filler Reinforced Nano Polymer Composite Material

Abstract

In this work, Vetiveria zizanioides (vetiver) fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix was developed with three fiber weight fractions (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) and with 3 wt.% of graphene (Gr) as filler material. This composite could replace asbestos-based braking material in automotive brake linings, as asbestos materials are carcinogenic and cause environmental issues. Hand lay-up and compression molding process was used to fabricate the natural fiber composite. The composite material was characterized by tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength. It is found that, with increase in fiber content, mechanical properties tend to improve when compared with unreinforced epoxy polymer. The natural hydrophilic vetiver fibers increased absorption of water and thickness swelling was observed for all the composites. When compared with 3% Gr-reinforced composite, 15% vetiver fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix along with 3% Gr shows increase in tensile, flexural, and impact strength by 82.66, 34.25, and 157.14%, respectively, with 29.03% reduction in % elongation. A remarkable increase in water absorption was recorded with the highest fiber content.