IRJET- Development and Characterization of Natural Hybrid Composite using Basalt and Bamboo Fibers

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 05 Issue: 12 | Dec 2018 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2018, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.211 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1170
Development and Characterization of Natural Hybrid Composite using
Basalt and Bamboo Fibers
Asif Ahmed .A1, Dr. Keerthiprasad K. S2
1PG Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, VVIET, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
2Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, VVIET, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
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Abstract - With rapid changes in the environment the demands for technologies of the best suitable composite materials has
begun. Materials having required characteristics along-side remaining non-pollutant are being researched and formulated to be
put them in use. With the availability of natural fiber composites which share proportionate properties with that of manmade
fibers are added together with a matrix to achieve best and good outputs. The hybrid composite materials are a blend of natural
and synthetic fibers which are either in same proportion or varied with respect to a preferredratiotohavedesiredproperties. This
present work deals with the study mechanical properties of basalt fiber composites having bamboo fibers and E-glass fibers to
which varying concentration of Silicon carbide (SiC) are added and reinforced with epoxy resin as the matrix. The overall
mechanical properties of the composites showed improvement with the addition of silicon carbide in the matrix.
Key Words: Bamboo fiber, Basalt fiber, Silicon Carbide
1. INTRODUCTION
The word composite is derived from the word “compositus‟ which means mixing together. Composite materials refer to
combining of two or more materials. They constitute of both matrix material and a reinforcing agent. The matrix usually binds
the reinforcement stiffly thus creating a firm bonding with the different reinforcement thus forming a composite material. A
compositeconsists of two or more materials of different natureto achieve a material of required property.Thematerialformed
after the combination of two materials will have much better and sophisticated characteristics than the constituent. Paliwal
et.al.[2] Investigated about the composites fabricated from glass fibers with epoxy as a matrix material and calcium carbonate
(CaCo3) as a particulate filler material which showed overall increase in their mechanical properties.
The reason is that the particulate fillers increase the loading capacity by increasing the bonding strength between the
reinforcement and the matrix material. Potluri et.al.[3] used silicon carbide as a filler material with varying proportions in
pineapple leaf fiber composites. The specimen with the higher percentage of silicon carbide showed higher strength, Young’s
modulus and shear modulus. Nguong et.al.[4] used silicon carbide as a filler material in natural fiber reinforced polymer
composites. The results showed significant wear resistance because of the strongerbondscreatedwiththeinclusionofthefiller
material which behaved as a crack arrestor. Chisholm et.al.[8] In his research the carbon epoxy composites are subjected to
testing one without any (SiC) filler and the other with (SiC) filler. The results confirm that the infusion of (SiC) brought about
good thermal stability and also a good amount of strength (mechanical).
2 MATERIALS AND FABRICATION
The 300 mm x 300 mm x 4 mm composite was manufactured using the hand-layup method. The resin was coated with
brush and roller and kept between the 350 mm x 350 mm pressing plates. A polyester film layer between the plate and the
composite surface was provided for easy release and for smooth and uniform surface surfaces on the composites. Lapox L-12
(Epoxy) resin matrix is used with Hardener K-6 as the catalyst and SiC filler having mesh size of 220 has been added to five
different percentages (0 wt. %, 10 wt. %, 20 wt. % and 30 wt. percent).
Alternative layers of basalt fabric and bamboo fabric arefabricatedwithepoxyresinmixedwithSiCfilleroneabovetheother
until the desired thickness is achieved. The composites were then left at room temperature for 24 hours to be solidified.
Composites were then removed from the mold following the curing process.

2.1 Fabrication procedure followed
Fig - 1: Slab forming the mold Fig - 2: Placing of Release Film Fig - 3: Resin coated on release film
Fig - 4: First layer of reinforcement Fig - 5: Squeezing of excess resin Fig - 6: Curing Stage
3. MECHANICAL TESTING OF HYBRID COMPOSITE MATERIAL
The specimens are derived from the fabricated material and subjected to different mechanical testing processes to
determine their performance under various loading conditions. The results are then analyzed and further the materials are
engineered to improve the characteristics so that a better product can be achieved.
3.1 Tensile test
It is one of the most commonly used testing processes to evaluatethe mechanicalpropertiesofthematerial.Thetestshelpto
evaluate the properties related to elasticity and strength. In a tensile testing process, a specimen is obtained according to a
prescribed standard and loaded under uni-axial force applied at two ends until the matrix is fractured.
The testing carried out helps us to determine the elastic deformation and then the plastic deformation. The fracture of the
specimen is the indication of the end in plastic deformation. The ductilematerialshavegreaterplasticityandhavegoodstrength
compared to brittle materials whose plasticity is low. The testing process is carried out by constantly and gradually rising the
applied load. The change in length of the test piece is noted. Hence a set of collective information is available to calculate the
results.
3.2 Flexural test
The specimens used in the testing process are generally rectangular in geometry without any bond or notches. The flexural
test helps us to determine the strength in brittle material because when the same material is gripped and loaded for testing
would easily breakdown. Within the elastic range, a linear relation between a load and deflection can be noted. The failure first
begins on a thin layer of the surface which initiates the cracking process and at-last leads to the specimen break point.
3.3 Impact test
The behavior of materials vary according to the loading conditions they are subjected in. a cyclic load may yield different
results when compared withsudden loading orwhenitisloadedconstantly.Hencetheimpacttesthelpsustoknowthebehavior
during sudden loading conditions.
Izod impact testing isan ASTM standardmethodofdeterminingtheimpactresistanceofmaterials.Apivotingarmisraisedto
a specific height (constant potential energy) and then released. The arm swings down hitting a notched sample, breaking the
specimen. The energy absorbed by the sample is calculatedfrom the heightthearmswingstoafterhittingthesample.Anotched
sample is generally used to determine impact energy and notch sensitivity.

3.4 Hardness test
Hardness is the mechanical property of the material whichhelps it to resisttheindentation.Hardnessisoneoftheimportant
parameters in the designing of a material. The process of measuring the hardness is by measuring the depth of the indentation
mark left on the material when a load of known pressure is applied on it.
3.5 Specific gravity test
The density of a particular object is dependent on the phase it is in and the temperature. With density one can identify the
material and also response when placed in fluid can be easily determined. If the densityof the material is greaterthanthewater
it will sink. And when the density is less it will float. Water is the fluid generally used to determine the measurement.
The density ρ is obtained from
Where,
a - Weight of the specimen in air
b – Total weight of the specimen and sinker (if used) in water
w – Weight of immersed sinker if used and partially immersed wire
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Tensile Test
Tensile tests are used to determine the material behavior under a tension. The process takes place by placing the specimen
on the machine and pulled to the point of breaking. The results are used to determine the maximum load, ultimate tensile
strength, poisons ratio and Young’s modulus. The testing process requires the specimen to be prepared according to ASTM D-
638 standards. The specimen is loaded on a computerized universal testing machine for higher accuracy. A maximum of 20KN
can be applied for testing
Table-1: Tensile test result of natural and hybrid composite material
Materials Maximum load
(KN)
Ultimate Tensile Stress
(Mpa)
Young's Modulus
(Mpa)
Basalt+bamboo 8.12 110.20 5200.78
Basalt + bamboo + glass 9.00 122.58 5353.55
Basalt+bamboo+glass+10%(SiC) 10.78 131.18 5424.23
Basalt+bamboo+glass+20% (SiC) 11.40 141.94 5590.43
Basalt+bamboo+glass+30% (SiC) 11.67 146.56 5836
All the specimens were prepared as per the standards and the orientation is maintained at a constant 0º throughout for the
fabrication process. For the first combination (Basalt + bamboo + glass) with 0% (SiC) the maximum load is 9.00 KN, with an
ultimatetensile stress of 122.58Mpa with a Young’s modulus of 5353.55 Mpa, the specimen(Basalt+bamboo+glass+10%(SiC))
the load is increased to 10.78 KN this is due to the process that added (SiC) creates a stronger bond between the matrix and
reinforcement which increases the loading conditions, thus this effect can be seen with the ultimate tensile stress increasing to
131.18Mpa.

Fig – 7: Basalt + bamboo Fig – 8: Basalt + bamboo + glass
Fig – 9: Basalt + bamboo + glass + 10 % (SiC) Fig – 10: Basalt + bamboo + glass + 20 % (SiC)
Fig – 11: Basalt + bamboo + glass + 30 % (SiC)
Fig (7-11) showing Extension vs. stress graphs of the tensile test specimen
Chart -1: Comparison of materials for ultimate tensile strength
When the concentration is increased by a large amount i.e.30% the increaseinstrengthhasincreasedbyasmallervaluethis
is due to the fact that the infused particles start to forma lump and reduced interactionbetween polymer and particleresultsin

lesser strength as compared with that of 10% and 20% (SiC) specimens. This is because polymer and particle interaction has
more strength when compared with particle and particle interaction.
Chart -2: Comparison of Materials for Young’s Modulus
4.2 Flexural test
The tests are used to determine the flexural strength of a material. The testing material is laid horizontally onto the two
points of contact and then a force is applied on the top of the material through either one or two points of contact until the
specimen fails.
Table 2: Flexural test results for natural and hybrid composite materials
Materials Maximum load
(KN)
Maximum bending stress at maximum load
(Mpa)
Young's Modulus
(Mpa)
Basalt+bamboo 539.41 213.698 10342.14
Basalt + bamboo + glass 550.50 240.74 10885.37
Basalt+bamboo+glass+10%(SiC) 830.41 302.25 11151.36
All the specimens being tested have a fixed orientation of 0°. For the specimen of (Basalt + bamboo + glass) the maximum
bending stress is recorded at 240 Mpa with Young’s modulus of 10885.37 Mpa for a maximum applied load of 550.50 KN. Now
with the inclusion of 10% Silicon the maximum bending stress increases to 302.25 Mpa where as the young’s modulus is
11151.36 Mpa and the maximum load for failure is 830.48 KN.
This is because the added (SiC) increases bondingcapacitybetweenthematrixandreinforcementthusincreasingtheoverall
flexural strength, Young’s modulus and loading capacity. And when the (SiC) concentration is increased to 20% the maximum
bending stress also increases to a value of 340.58 Mpa and Young’s modulus to 11350.69 and the maximum load applied
increases to 872.88 KN.
For the specimen with 30% (SiC) the load applied and maximum flexural strength increase but in a smaller value. This is
because the bonding has already happened between the matrix and the reinforcement hence the remaining (SiC) particles just
slightly increase the loading conditions and for the rest their performance is almost similar to that of the specimen with 20%
(SiC). For the specimen combination of (Basalt + bamboo) without the E-glass fiber and (SiC) in the resin system the flexural
strength, load applied and Young’s modulus has the least values because the material can easily fail since it has no additional
bonds which were present when (SiC) was added into the system.

Fig – 12: Basalt + bamboo Fig - 13: Basalt + bamboo + glass
Fig - 14: Basalt + bamboo + glass + 10 % (SiC) Fig - 15: Basalt + bamboo + glass + 20 % (SiC)
Fig - 16: Basalt + bamboo+ glass+30 % (SiC)
Fig (12-16) showing Extension vs. load graphs for the flexural tests
Chart - 3: Comparison for maximum flexural strength
From the graphs it’s clear that the flexuralstrength has increased with the additionoffillermaterialsinthematrix.Thecrack
propagation initiated through an impact will be resisted by the filler materialsandtheyactascrackarrestors.Thisismainlydue
to the increased loading in the composites due to the addition of the (SiC), which improves the bonding strength in the

composites by forming stronger bonds with the epoxy matrix and the reinforcement which increase thefractureresistanceand
helps in improving the flexural property of the composite.
Chart - 4: Comparison for maximum load applied
4.3 Impact test
The impact test is a method used to determine the toughness and notch sensitivity of a material. It reveals the toughness of
materials. Brittle materials have low toughness as a result of the small amount of plastic deformation that they can endure. The
impact value of a material can also change with temperature.Generally,atlowertemperatures,theimpactenergyofamaterialis
decreased. The size of the specimen may also affect the value of the Izod impact test because it may allow a different number of
imperfections in the material, which can act as stress risers and lower the impact energy.
It is widely used to determine the impact properties of plastics, ceramics and composites. The properties that can be
determined are energy absorbed, impact strength and maximum load. In this test, specimen is introduced to impact loading by
using a Pendulum impact tester. Specimens are prepared as per ASTM D256 standard.
Table 3: Impact test results for natural and hybrid composite
Materials Charpy Impact Strength (KJ/m2 )
Basalt+bamboo 93.66
Basalt + bamboo + glass 95.08
Basalt+bamboo+glass+10%(SiC) 140.24
Basalt+bamboo+glass+20% (SiC) 160.23
Basalt+bamboo+glass+30% (SiC) 168.44
All the specimens being tested have a fixed orientation of 0°. For the specimen of (Basalt + bamboo + glass) the impact
strength is 95.08 KJ/m2. Now when 10% silicon carbide is added to the resin matrix with the same combination of matrix and
reinforcement materials the impact strength raises to140.24KJ/m2. Andfurtherwhenthesiliconcarbide’scontentisincreased
up-to 20% the impactstrength increases to a valueof160.23KJ/m2.Thustheadditionofsiliconcarbideinthematrixshowsthat
the impact strength has increased this is because silicon carbide forms numerous bonds with the matrix and reinforcement
material. Hence the energy required for distorting the material increases, thus stronger and enormous number of bonds in the
material the energy of impact strength also increases. And when the concentration of (SiC) is increased to 30% in the resin
system the impact strengthincreasesto168.44KJ/m2.Thespecimenofcombination(Basalt+bamboo)theimpactstrengthisthe
lowest among the tested combination which is 93.66 KJ/m2 which is mainly because of the absence of E-glass fiber and silicon
carbide. This signifies the effect of silicon carbide in the matrix material.

Chart - 5: Comparison of Impact Strength
4.4 Hardness test
Hardness is a typical property of a material. Hardness is defined as the resistance to indentation, and it is determined by
measuring the permanent depth of the indentation caused on the surface of the test material. More simply put, when using a
fixed force (load)and a given indenter, the smallertheindentation,theharderthematerial.Allthespecimensaremaintainedata
uniform orientation of 0°. From the above table, RHN for the combination of Basalt+bamboo+glass+30% (SiC) is 82, which is
more than that of specimens having concentration of silicon as 10% and 20%. The least RHN is for the combination of (Basalt +
bamboo) i.e. 70. And when E-glass fiber is presentalongwiththecombinationof(Basalt+bamboo)theRHNis72whichsignifies
the strength imparted by the E-glass fiber to the composite.
From the above results the significance of adding (SiC) in the composite matrix can be seen. This is mainly due to the good
bonding with the reinforcement and the epoxy which transmit the entire load to the strong and rigid fibers.
Table 4: Impact test results for natural and hybrid composite
All the specimens are maintained at a uniform orientation of 0°. From the above table, RHN for the combination of
Basalt+bamboo+glass+30% (SiC) is 82, which is more than that of specimens having concentration of silicon as 10% and 20%.
The least RHN is for the combination of (Basalt + bamboo) i.e. 70. And when E-glass fiber is present along with the combination
of (Basalt + bamboo) the RHN is 72 which signifies the strength imparted by the E-glass fiber to the composite.
From the above results the significance of adding (SiC) in the composite matrix can be seen. This is mainly due to the good
bonding with the reinforcement and the epoxy which transmit the entire load to the strong and rigid fibers.
When the particulates are included the bonding strength is much better and stronger than that of the composite without
particulatefiller material which is evident from the above graph. The voidsareverymuchfilledandthematerialisstrengthened
with the inclusion of (SiC) in the matrix andas the concentration of (SiC) is increased the hardness is increasedandthenat30%
of (SiC) the rise is negligible when compared with that of 10% and 20% specimens since the extraparticlesinthematrixbehave
as a lump and disturbthe load distribution and overall loading is increased to overcome the strength thus only a small increase
in value is seen.
Materials Hardness(RHN)
Basalt+bamboo 70
Basalt + bamboo + glass 72
Basalt+bamboo+glass+10%(SiC) 76
Basalt+bamboo+glass+20% (SiC) 80
Basalt+bamboo+glass+30% (SiC) 82

70
72
76
80
82
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
78
80
82
84
Basalt +bamboo Basalt +bamboo + glass Basalt +bamboo + glass +
10 % (SiC)
Basalt +bamboo + glass +
20 % (SiC)
Basalt +bamboo + glass +
30 % (SiC)
RockwellhardnesssnumberRHN
Chart - 6: Comparison by Rockwell Hardness Number
4.5 Specific gravity test
The specific gravity testing isveryusefulindeterminingyieldandcomparingdifferentmaterials.SpecificGravitymeans
the ratio of the mass of a specimen to that of an equal volume of a standard substance. The composite material of the
combination (Basalt+bamboo+glass+30% (SiC)) has the highest densityamongthetestedspecimens.Thisisduetotheincrease
of concentration of silicon carbide in the composite material as compared to that of specimens having 10% and 20% of silicon
carbide respectively. The lightest among them is the combination of (Basalt + bamboo) which has a value of 1.33.
Table 5: Density test results for natural and hybrid composite materials
1.40
1.41
1.43
1.45
1.33
1.26
1.28
1.3
1.32
1.34
1.36
1.38
1.4
1.42
1.44
1.46
1.48
Basalt + bamboo Basalt + bamboo + glass Basalt + bamboo + glass +
10 % (SiC)
Basalt + bamboo + glass +
20 % (SiC)
Basalt + bamboo + glass +
30 % (SiC)
Density
Chart - 7: Comparison based on density of materials
Materials Density
Basalt + bamboo + glass 1.40
Basalt+bamboo+glass+10%(
SiC)
1.41
Basalt+bamboo+glass+20%
(SiC)
1.43
Basalt+bamboo+glass+30%
(SiC)
1.45
Basalt+bamboo 1.33

5. CONCLUSIONS
The natural hybrid composites consisting of (bamboo fiber,basaltfiber,andE-glassfiber)arefabricatedusingepoxyresinas
the matrix system with Silicon carbide as the particulate filler with the traditional hand lay-up process. The concentration of
silicon carbide is varied in each of the fabricated composites and the mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, impact,
hardness and density are determined experimentally. The orientation of the fibers during fabrication is maintained at 0º
throughout the process.
The results states that the particulate filled hybrid compositematerials have greatermechanicalpropertieswhencompared
with compositematerialswithoutparticulatereinforcements.Whentensiletestswerecarriedouthybridcompositesshowedthe
highest ultimate tensile stress than the other composite materials.
From the results obtained itcan be concluded that the particulatefilledcompositematrix have a good potentialwithoverall
improved properties. The inclusion of silicon carbide in the matrix has shown that the voids present in the composites can be
filled by these particulates which improve the void content and also improve overall strength by forming stronger bonds with
the matrix and the reinforcements.
It wasalso seen that 30 wt. % Silicon carbidereinforcedcomposites had better performance thanthatof10wt.%and20wt.
% particulate reinforced composite, which implies that the addition of particulates are desirable till a certain extent and when
the limit is exceeded the increase of strength is in a smaller quantity. That is due tothefactthatthebondswhenformedbetween
particles and reinforcementsare much stronger than that of the bonds formedbetweenparticlesthemselvesi.e.theparticleand
reinforcement interaction is stronger than that of the particle-particle interaction, which happens when more amount of
particles are present in the matrix.
Thus particulate reinforced composites have good overall mechanical properties and improved performance which would
cater the needs of the modern industry. The cost of manufacturing can be effective when manufactured in bulk quantities thus
making it one of the better choices to be used for enhanced and stabilized performance.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am very grateful to my Professor for providing guidance and support to publish the paper in this journal.
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