| dc.contributor.author | Chowdhury, Shahriar Ahmed | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-09-03T15:34:02Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-09-03T15:34:02Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-08-30 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10222/84554 | |
| dc.description | In recent years, there has been a growing interest in making any mode of transport lightweight. For instance, the application of lightweight materials in aircraft has directly impacted factors such as fuel consumption, agility, and navigation dynamics. Similarly, it is estimated that a decrease of approximately 25% in vehicle weight, which is possible using fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs), can save 250 million barrels of crude oil yearly. The use of lightweight materials in the aviation industry is also predicted to increase in recent years. Furthermore, the incorporation of lightweight materials in windmill construction, the leading renewable energy source, is also becoming apparent. The worldwide lightweight materials market volume was projected to be around USD 113.78 billion in 2016 and is estimated to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% over the predicted period. These recent data, acquisition and merger agreements show lightweight materials' potential growth.
To meet these demands, lightweight composite materials like FRPs have become quite popular amongst industries and researchers. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are composite materials consisting of two or more materials with unique characteristics when combined. They are different than traditional materials like aluminum or steel, which are isotropic, meaning their properties are uniform in all directions regardless of the applied load. As FRPs are anisotropic, their mechanical properties are prevalent in the direction of fiber and applied load. As a result, fibers are placed in various directions to sustain the common multiaxial loading states.
To combat these environmental challenges, researchers have focused their resources on biofilters or natural fiber-reinforced polymers (NFRPs), which are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. These consist of bast fibers (flax. hemp, jute, etc.), leaf fibers (like sisal and banana) and mineral and synthetic fibers (like basalt and aramid). Some of these materials are more advantageous in terms of availability, affordability and machinability than some traditional FRPs, like glass fibers, making them very competitive in specific applications in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Despite the advancement, the polymer matrix used for resins like thermoplastic and thermoset polymer matrices is generally used to manufacture components. These still pose an environmental threat since they can be toxic and dependent on petroleum resources. Improper disposal of polymer composites can be carcinogenic and potentially pollute waters.
Few studies have been conducted to find a suitable alternative, such as the recyclability of the matrix resin. Most research focused on fibers has aimed to address their recyclability/biodegradability. This research is particularly relevant as it addresses the pressing need for sustainable materials in industries heavily reliant on traditional FRPs. By investigating the viability of basalt fibers with eco-friendly resins, this study contributes to advancing the field of sustainable materials science, potentially impacting a range of applications from construction to consumer goods.
In response to the environmental and health challenges posed by traditional FRPs and matrix resins, this study focuses on developing sustainable composite materials using biodegradable and sustainable basalt fibers combined with an eco-friendly and recyclable resin, specifically Recyclamine. Basalt fibers, derived from natural basalt rock, offer an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. Moreover, Recyclamine presents an innovative approach to resin formulation, a recyclable option with the potential to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of composite materials.
The main objective of this study is to investigate the mechanical performance of Basalt fiber composites using Recyclamine under various loading states and compare the performance to that of equivalent basalt-epoxy and the more commonly used E-glass epoxy. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of these materials in creating a more sustainable composite without compromising on mechanical performance. In brief, the study aims to reach the following goals:
a. To establish the void content of the composites used in this study.
b. To establish the basic mechanical properties (i.e., tensile, compressive, shear, flexural) and impact response of the basalt-Recyclamine and basalt-epoxy composites in accordance with the ASTM Standards.
c. To understand the failure mechanism and modes of the composites using digital and scanning electron microscopy.
d. To assess the feasibility and potential of basalt-Recyclamine as a recyclable alternative to E-glass epoxy for use in industrial applications. | en_US |
| dc.description.abstract | Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) are widely used in various industries due to their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. However, many FRPs rely on non-recyclable and non-biodegradable materials like carbon, aramid, glass fibers, and thermoset resins, leading to significant environmental concerns. The disposal of these materials in landfills exacerbates the issue, prompting research into more sustainable alternatives. This study aims to develop a fully sustainable and recyclable composite using basalt fibers and Recyclamine, a recyclable resin. A comprehensive experimental analysis was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties, such as tensile, compressive, shear, and flexural strengths, and the impact resistance of this composite. Microscopic analysis was also performed to understand the failure modes. The results indicate that basalt-Recyclamine composites are a viable, cost-effective alternative to conventional basalt-epoxy composites, offering similar or superior mechanical performance and recyclability. | en_US |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.subject | Basalt Fibers | en_US |
| dc.subject | Recyclamine | en_US |
| dc.subject | Recyclable Resin | en_US |
| dc.subject | Sustainable Alternative Composite | en_US |
| dc.subject | Basalt-Recyclamine Composite | en_US |
| dc.subject | Basalt-Epoxy Composite | en_US |
| dc.subject | E-glass/epoxy alternative | en_US |
| dc.title | Mechanical Properties of a Sustainable Composite Made of Mineral Fibers and a Recyclable Resin | en_US |
| dc.date.defence | 2024-08-22 | |
| dc.contributor.department | Department of Mechanical Engineering | en_US |
| dc.contributor.degree | Master of Applied Science | en_US |
| dc.contributor.external-examiner | n/a | en_US |
| dc.contributor.thesis-reader | Dr. Nouman Ali | en_US |
| dc.contributor.thesis-reader | Dr. Noubar Yemenidjian | en_US |
| dc.contributor.thesis-supervisor | Dr. Farid Taheri | en_US |
| dc.contributor.ethics-approval | Not Applicable | en_US |
| dc.contributor.manuscripts | Not Applicable | en_US |
| dc.contributor.copyright-release | Not Applicable | en_US |
