Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
Volume 2021 (2021), Article ID 5536171, 12 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5536171

Research Article

Investigations on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Granulated Composite Using Hybrid Additive Manufacturing: A Novel Approach

R. Anandkumar, S. Ramesh Babu, and Ravishankar Sathyamurthy

Department of Mechanical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641407, India

Correspondence should be addressed to R. Anandkumar; ranandkumarmech@gmail.com

Received 22 February 2021; Accepted 22 April 2021; Published 3 May 2021

Academic Editor: H. P. S. Abdul Khalil

Copyright © 2021 R. Anandkumar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

In this work, experiments on mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, effects, and stiffness testing are performed on natural fiber granulated composites (NFGC) manufactured using a hybrid additive manufacturing technique. The natural fiber granulated composites are prepared using the powdered form of sugarcane, jute, ramie, banana, pineapple fiber, and seashell powder with a volume fraction of 0.8. In the hybrid additive manufacturing technique, the fused deposited modeling (FDM) machine is modified by combining with the shape deposition modeling (SDM) to print the specimens layer by layer, and the influence of the number of layers on the mechanical properties is analyzed. The results concluded that increasing the number of layers from 6 to 12 improved the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness values by 40.84, 50.04, 21.55, and 20.55%, respectively. Further, a novel technique can be utilized for developing the composites in replacement with conventional methods.

1. Introduction

In the present scenario, industries are mainly focusing on the concept of sustainable manufacturing by reducing the usage of nonrenewable resources and adopting eco-friendly processes on materials by recycling or reuse of waste. For this purpose, composite materials are prepared, and extensive research works are carried out by researchers in several parts of the world [1]. Among those, polymer and natural fiber-based composites were identified as excellent materials due to their desirable properties such as reusability, recyclability, long-term stability, and abundant availability at a reasonable cost. Further, the natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs) are utilized for the products used in biomedical, automotive, packing, and constructional applications [2]. Natural fiber production also consumes about 5.72 times lesser energy than glass fiber production [3]. Even though the natural fiber consists of its own merits, several intensive factors affect the material properties, such as high moisture absorption, poor wettability, significant variation in fiber characteristics, and low thermal stability.

NFRCs were prepared with various compositions and different manufacturing techniques were used to overcome these limitations. Prasad et al. [4] analyzed the influence of jowar, sisal, and bamboo fiber on the mechanical properties of the NFRCs with a volume fraction of 0.4. They concluded that jowar fiber composite has high strength and rigidity, and it is suitable for low-weight applications compared with others. Bordos et al. [5] used the compression molding technique and developed the flax fiber composites, which enhanced the tensile properties of biopolymers, which had characteristics similar to glass fiber composites. Alavudeen et al. [6] analyzed and compared the performance of banana/kenaf-reinforced composites with plain and twill-type orientation. They reported that plain oriented composites improve mechanical strength by 10% compared with others. The mechanical properties of banana fiber composites were also enhanced by adding sisal fiber up to the volume fraction of 0.5 [7]. Silva et al. [8] reported that the composite materials with 30% of sisal and banana natural fibers enhanced the interfacial bonding. Researchers also reported that if the fiber content was <40% and fiber length ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm, the injection molding technique produces better composites. If the fiber content exceeds >40% and the fiber length was more than 10 mm, compression molding was suggested [9–11]. The powder-based natural composites are also developed by using sheesham wood and rice husk powder. It is concluded that the mechanical properties are decreased with increasing fiber content beyond 20 wt. % [12]. The alkali treatment of natural fiber that provided roughness removed a certain amount of lignin and enhanced natural fiber adhesiveness [13, 14]. Even though enormous works are carried out in this field, the NFRCs have lower mechanical and functional performance due to porosity formulation caused by poor interaction or bonding between fiber and matrix. The researchers overcome these limitations by incorporating additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for fabricating the composites.

Additive manufacturing (AM) played a major role in the rapid growth of the industries in the product earlier. AM has many variants based on the materials that could be printed. Among different variants of AM, the economically viable variant is fused deposition modeling (FDM), which is categorized under extrusion type [15–18]. The FDM technology is used for printing plastics, nylons, and composite materials. The cheapest technology always has potential growth, as it attracts the manufacturing industries faster. So the rate of growth is higher for this FDM variant. FDM method has undergone many modifications, among which the filament has shown considerable growth.

Matsuzaki et al. [19] used the FDM technique for developing the PLA matrix composites reinforced by twisted yarns of natural jute fibers, which enhanced the tensile strength and tensile modulus by 134% and 157%, respectively. Hinchcliffe et al. [20] reported that the tensile strength, stiffness, and flexural strength of jute and flax fiber-reinforced hybrid composites were improved by 116%, 14%, and 10% when incorporating the FDM process. Le Duigou et al. [21] incorporated the recycled wood fiber-based biocomposites formulated using the FDM technique and reported that the porosity formulation is around 20%, weakening the mechanical properties. Le Duigou et al. [22] reviewed various 3D printing techniques and concluded that hybridization of AM technologies could improve the printing quality of composites with a higher concentration of natural fibers [22].

The biomaterial-based filaments have started hitting the market with one of its kind, which is the wood-filled composite filament developed by researchers [23]. Calverton [24] introduced nanocomposite-based filament with graphene that is being used in batteries. 3D Fuel and Algix companies developed algae-based composite filament with PLA [25]. To serve the aerospace industries, several companies are developing metal-infused composite materials [26]. Eastman and ColorFabb companies developed the filament for the next generation, which is made out of carbon fiber and brass [27]. Graphene 3D company developed magnetic filaments and introduced them in the market, capable of attracting magnetic material after printing [28]. 3DomFuel Company has introduced different types of unique filaments to the market since 2016, which are plastic infused with hemp, coffee, and beer [29]. FIBERLAB Company unveils the flexible and temperature fluctuation-resistant filament, capable of withstanding temperature variation between 70°C and −40°C [30]. The composite filament growth provides a new path to print directly from the electronic components like a resonator [31].

The remarkable modifications made on the printer head are discussed below. Matsuzaki et al. [32] developed a printer that PLA was drawn from the top path and jute was added through the side filament path. As a result, continuous filament PLA with jute infused was derived out, and its properties were tested [32]. Owen et al. [33] developed a printer to print the ceramic slurry with a modified printing head from the existing delta-type FDM machine. Kumar et al. [46] optimized the process parameters involved in the preparation of kenaf fiber through the design of the experiment. Results revealed that the optimum process parameters such as NaOH concentration, process temperature, process time, and fiber-to-solution weight ratio were found as 6%, 30°C, 8 hours, and 1 : 15, respectively, to attain a maximum tensile strength of 58.16 MPa. Malingam et al. [47] studied the static and dynamical mechanical properties of kenaf fiber-reinforced hybrid composite. Merizgui et al. [48] studied the effect of iron oxide particles with kenaf fiber-reinforced composite. In addition to iron oxide, MWCNT was added to the composite. Nematollahi et al. [49] studied the behavior of kenaf fiber-reinforced polypropylene composite prepared through extruded injection molding. Mechanical and morphological behavior on fiber content reinforced with low-density polyethylene using rotational molding was experimentally investigated by Abilesh and Singaravelan [50].

From the above literature, it is identified that the incorporation of additive manufacturing enhances the properties of NFRCs. There are several problems such as void formation, nozzle blockage, fiber agglomeration, and distribution during additive manufacturing, leading to functional properties and poor mechanical properties. The printer head modification is carried out to print the novel natural fiber granulated composites (NFGCs) to overcome these limitations. The objective of the work is to design and develop the 3D printer for the hybrid additive manufacturing technique (HAMT) by combining the fused deposited modeling (FDM) machine with shape deposition modeling (SDM). NFGC materials are developed using the HAMT method, and the influence of the number of layers on the mechanical properties of such as tensile, flexural, impact strength, and hardness of the material is experimentally investigated. The prepared samples are tested on mechanical properties as per the ASTM standards. Furthermore, the filler distribution characteristics of the prepared sample are examined using SEM analysis.

2. Machine Design

The Prusa i3 3D printer is shown in Figure 1(a) with a printer head. The machine’s printing head alone is modified and designed to print the composite material paste. The heater in the FDM variant 3D printer is used to melt and extrude the filament, whereas SDM prints less dense materials like food paste, jelly material, and human cell. The material which is synthesized for the work is harder than the material used in SDM. The present work focuses on adopting both techniques to form a HAMT. A better efficient printer head is required to print this material, so the physical iteration process is carried out. The first iteration from the printer with head modification is shown in Figure 1(b). This modification has disadvantages such as the inability to print smoothly, and the motor mounted vertically in line with the syringe leads to vibration and is unable to distribute the load properly, so the second modification is made, as shown in Figure 1(c). This is the final modified printing head, which leads to the development of a HAMT. Figure 2 represents a detailed view of the final modified printer. The printer head modification is done with the same motor as used in the first iteration, but during the second iteration, the printer’s efficiency increased. The disadvantages stated in the first iteration are rectified in the second version. The technical specification of the machine is tabulated in Table 1.

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 1: (a) 3D printer with FDM printing head; (b) first iterated printing head; (c) second iterated printing head.

Figure 2: Isometric view of 3D printing head.

Table 1: Technical specification of hybrid additive manufacturing machine.

Parameters
Specification

Build volume
30 × 18 × 18 cm

Layer weight
0.05–2 mm

Maximum travel speed
200 mm/s

Maximum hot end/heat bed temperature
250°C/80°C

2.1. Materials and Methods

The natural fiber granulated composite material has been manufactured using a hybrid additive manufacturing technique in this work. The material was prepared using the fibers from sugarcane, jute, ramie, banana, pineapple fibers, and in addition, the seashell powder was added.

The fibers were washed with distilled water to remove their impurities. At the ambient conditions, it was dried for twenty-four hours, and further, it was treated with a 5% NaOH solution at room temperature for another three hours. A hot oven was used to heat the fibers and dehydrate them at 80°C for 3 hours. The interface strength and mechanical properties of NFGC were improved by treating the fiber using alkaline treatment [12, 13]. Further, these materials were powdered in the ball mill with its size ranging from 70 to 100 μm.

2.2. Preparation of Composite

The sugarcane fiber can be ground thoroughly and powered quickly. It possesses good mixing capability and has excellent torsion rigidity [32]. Jute and ramie fibers are hard to grind. Still, they possess an excellent tensile strength of around 80 MPa [33], possess better cohesive strength, and bind all the materials together with higher compressibility [34]. Pineapple fiber is not easy to grind but possesses the highest tensile strength [35]. Banana fiber possesses smaller elongation even though it cannot be easily powered [36]. The materials mentioned above are ground and sieved using a very fine mesh. Jute, ramie, and pineapple are fluffy, and this fluffiness is reduced comparatively by adding sea shell powder. The mixture has to be converted into paste form; all the powders are mixed well with Araldite (2011A/B epoxy adhesive) and hardener (Aradur 115BD hardener) to make a fine paste. The binders (Araldite and hardener) act as reinforcement agents, which enhance the strength. To increase the wear resistance on both sides, glass fiber is attached after printing the composite material on both sides. The fibers and their powdered form are shown in Figure 3. The individual composition fiber and its properties are shown in Figure 4. The material composition consists of 80% of powdered fiber and 20% of binder. Once the required material is prepared, then the NFGC material is printed with a novel printing header help.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Figure 3: Various fibers used in NFGCs. (a) Sugarcane fiber. (b) Banana fiber. (c) Jute fiber. (d) Banana fiber. (e) Ramie fiber. (f) Powdered fiber.

Figure 4: Composition of fibers in NFGCs.

The hybrid additive manufacturing works in the following way: FDM is adopted to supply heat input through the base plate and the slicing technique. The maximum heat supplied is around 60°C, and SDM is used for simple deposition as per layer thickness. In this printer head, a motor is used to print the high-density material for the proper dispensing. So the hybridization provides a clear way to print the composite material. The dimension of the printed NFGC is 250 × 125 × 13 mm³, and it is shown in Figure 5. The material flows through the nozzle and the feed rate is suitably adjusted for varying the layers during printing. Layer orientation is fixed to 0°, and a varying number of layers of NFGC materials are divided into 6, 8, 10, and 12 equal parts along with their thickness. The thickness of the material printed during the composite manufacturing process is shown in Table 2.

Figure 5: Printed NFGC by using HAMT.

Table 2: Printing thickness variations.

Number of layers
Total thickness (mm)
Thickness of each layer (mm)

6
13
2.16

8
13
1.62

10
13
1.3

12
13
1.08

2.3. Mechanical Testing

The mechanical properties of NFGC material are analyzed by using tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness using the test standards provided by ASTM D638 [40], ASTM D790 [41], ASTM D256 [42], and ASTM D2240 [43] standards, respectively. The test specimens have been made for the tensile test as shown in Figure 6(a) with a length, width, and thickness of 240 mm, 20 mm, and 13 mm, respectively. The test has been carried out in the universal testing machine, and the tensile stress is developed by towing the members apart in the opposite direction. The tensile test has been carried for all four variants of a number of layers, with five tests for each case. Therefore, 20 total numbers of specimens are tested, and the best three average values in each case are considered for analyzing the behavior of the material.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Figure 6: Test specimen for tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness test.

The flexural test was also carried out for all four variants of a number of layers with five tests for each case, and the specimen dimensions are shown in Figure 6(b) with a length, width, and thickness of 160 mm, 20 mm, and 13 mm, respectively. During the test, the specimens are subjected to both tensile and compressive forces, and the best three average values in each case are considered for evaluating the flexural strength. The specimen for impact test and hardness has been prepared with a length of 160 mm, a width of 20 mm, and thickness of 13 mm as shown in Figures 6(c) and 6(d), respectively.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer is a valuable analytical instrument for analyzing hydrogen bond differences due to different defects and structural determination of functional groups and compounds. It is also used to examine the bonding behavior of natural fiber composites [37]. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are the primary constitutions of natural fibers, while waxes, water-soluble, pectin, and mineral elements are the minor constituents. In general, FTIR has been used to examine natural fibers with different chemical treatments such as alkaline, silane, peroxide, acetylation, and maleated anhydride with FTIR researchers help able to acquire much more in-depth information about natural fibers after various modifications.

3. Results and Discussions

The influence of several layers on the mechanical properties of natural fiber granulated composite made up of HAMT is evaluated by using tensile, flexure, impact, and hardness tests. Further, the use of FTIR and SEM images of the specimen and the prepared material mechanical properties are discussed in the following sections.

3.1. Tensile Strength

The effect of the number of layers on the tensile strength of an NFGC is carried out by the following standard ASTM D638. The results are shown in Figure 7. The test for the specimens has been carried out at the speed of 2 mm/min. The tensile strength is determined by using the following relationship:

where F, b, and d represent the applied load, breadth, and thickness of the workpiece, respectively.

Figure 7: Influence of the number of layers on tensile strength.

From the figure, it is observed that the tensile strength of the NFGC material increases with an increase in the number of layers. The maximum average value of tensile strength of 30.15 MPa has been observed when the number of layers in the material is equal to 12. The tensile strength of 12-layer specimens has been enhanced by 40.84%, 24.67%, and 5.8% as compared with 6-, 8-, and 10-layer samples, respectively. This is due to the fact that increasing the number of layers reduces the layer thickness and improvement in the interlayer bonding strength by avoiding the formulation of larger-sized microvoids. The rise in the number of layers also progresses the reinforced strength and uniformly improves the load distribution.

Table 3 compares the tensile strength described in the present study with the previous work carried out by Palani Kumar et al. [44] and Ku Harry et al. [45]. The comparison results concluded that the developed material enhances the tensile properties by 1.8, 1.37, 1.67, and 2.01 times compared with coconut fiber, 20-mesh hardwood, 40-mesh hardwood, and rice hull fiber composites, respectively.

Table 3: Comparison based on the tensile properties.

Fiber
Composition
Tensile strength (MPa)
References

Sugarcane, jute, ramie, banana, and pineapple fiber
80% fiber + 20% binder
30.15
Present work

Coconut fiber
60% fiber + 40% resin
16.72
Palani Kumar et al. [42]

20-mesh hard wood
35% fiber + 65% resin
22
Ku, harry et al. [43]

40-mesh hard wood
35% fiber + 65% resin
18

Rice hull fiber
35% fiber + 65% resin
15

3.2. Flexural Strength

Figure 8 illustrates the flexural strength of the NFGC material which has been measured by adhering to the standard of ASTM D790. The figure shows that the workpiece sample with maximum layers has resulted in the maximum average flexural strength. The flexural strength of the workpiece has been evaluated by using the following equation:

where p and l represent the applied pending load and span length of the workpiece, respectively.

Figure 8: Influence of the number of layers on flexural strength.

The increased number of layers of the laminate improved the flexural strength. This may be due to the large use of fibers with the layer formation. The average flexural strength of the specimen is found as 50.04, 53.46, 56.74, and 60.83 MPa for 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-layer specimens, respectively. The lower flexural strength may also due to the effect of adhesive strength. The flexural strength of 12-layer specimens is enhanced by 21.55%, 13.79%, and 6.73% as compared with 6-, 8-, and 10-layer samples, respectively. This phenomenon occurs due to the lower thickness of the printed specimen, which decreases the porosity along its cross section compared with greater thickness values of NFGC specimens. Also, the natural fibers enhance the interfacial bonding with the surface for improved structural behavior. The stronger interfacial bonds greatly influence the flexural strength which may also be a cause for improved flexural strength. Furthermore, the lower thickness composites minimize the stress concentration points between the layers, and with better curing, the flexural properties are improved.

3.3. Impact Strength

The influence of a number of layers on the impact strength of an NFGC is carried out by following standard ASTM D256, and the results are plotted in Figure 9. The notch has been formulated in the test specimens in such a way that the deformation is avoided which is caused during the impact force. The average impact strength values for the specimen are 24.71, 28.62, 31.78, and 37.43 MPa for 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-layer NFGC specimens, respectively. From the results, it is clear that the 12-layer specimen improves the impact strength by 21.55%, 13.79%, and 6.73% compared with 6-, 8-, and 10-layer samples, respectively. This happens because when increasing the number of layers, the fiber layer fineness improves and enhances the absorbed energy during the test. Furthermore, ramie and banana fiber presence enhances the cohesive forces, leading to agglomeration between the molecules.

Figure 9: Influence of the number of layers on impact strength.

3.4. Hardness

Figure 10 plots the hardness of the NFGC material with different layers. The figure shows that the workpiece sample with maximum layers has resulted in the maximum average value of hardness. It is observed that the hardness value of the composite increases with an increase in the laminate layer. The specimen average hardness values are 78.33, 81.66, 89, and 94.33 Shore D for 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-layer specimens, respectively. The stronger interface bonding of the natural fiber with the composite improved the hardness. The results show that the provision of a more significant number of layers for the same thickness enhances the hardness value with better penetration between the successive layers. Further, it also minimizes the anisotropy nature of the composite which significantly improves the hardness value.

Figure 10: Influence of the number of layers on hardness.

3.5. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometry

The natural fiber spectrum functional groups are detected by using FTIR in the range of 500 to 4000 cm⁻¹, as shown in Figure 11. The FTIR spectrum clearly shows the functional groups of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The bands observed at 1764 cm⁻¹ and 1678 cm⁻¹ are –C = O stretching vibration and bending vibrations in the alphake to carboxylic acid in lignin and acetyl groups in hemicellulose, respectively. The distinct peak at 1446 cm⁻¹ is assigned to the cellulose CH₂ bending vibration. The existence of wax is observed through a peak at 2410 cm⁻¹. The sharp peak at 2940 cm⁻¹ is attributed to the C–H stretching of cellulose existing in fiber. The bands observed at 2940 and 2324 cm⁻¹ are the stretching vibration of the C–H and CH₂ bonds present in aromatic rings of hemicellulose and cellulose. Removal of hemicelluloses can also cause reduced shear stress transfer under tensile loading and loss of lignin. The peak at 3054 cm⁻¹ is attributed to C–H stretching vibration which may be caused by the existence of higher cellulose. The FTIR study shows that alkaline treatment eliminated much of lignin and hemicellulose contents on the fibers, which helped enhance the composite mechanical properties. It is also found that an increase in NaOH concentration above 5% damaged the fiber surface, resulting in weak adhesion between fiber and matrix that decreases the mechanical properties of composites.

Figure 11: FTIR result for impact test specimens.

3.6. SEM Analysis

The SEM test has been carried out for evaluating the molecular interactions of NFGC materials made up of various layer thicknesses. The test has been conducted using scanning electron microscopy with focusing distance and working voltage of 9.8 to 12.1 mm and 20 kV, respectively. The micrographic SEM images for 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-layer fractured test specimens from the impact test are shown in Figures 12(a)–12(d), respectively. With the addition of fibers with resin and increased laminate structure, the mechanical properties significantly change which is directly influenced with the void formation. By comparing the figures, it is evidenced that the 12-layer specimens have a lower amount of void formulation. There were several factors that influence the void formation: (i) entrapment of air during the mixing process, (ii) moisture vaporization by the surfaces of the substrate, and (iii) preparation technique for substrate surface. It is clear that the laminate with an increased number of layers and reduced printing thickness improved the mechanical properties, which makes the uniform distribution of material and reduces void formation. On the other hand, due to poor interlaminar bonding, the lower layered specimen developed porous holes and voids.

Figure 12: SEM result for (a) 6-layer, (b) 8-layer, (c) 10-layer, and (d) 12-layer impact test specimen.

4. Conclusion

The natural fiber granulated composite is an effective alternative approach to produce the material for engineering application without compromising its quality. Further, it can be utilized for biomedical, automotive, packing, and constructional applications. The material grinding and binding methodology can be improved by analyzing various combinations of fibers. The HAMT method could open up many new components because of the multiple material development, leading to a new paradigm shift in the material industry and manufacturing composite materials. The HAMT method shows that sublayers with multiple materials can be developed. The following conclusions are drawn from the novel approach of printer modification and composite material preparation: [38], [39], [51], [52], [53]

 The experimental results show that increasing the number of layers enhances the mechanical properties due to the better bonding between the successive layers. The tensile flexural, impact, and hardness values are enhanced by 40.84, 50.04, 21.55, and 20.55% when increasing the number of layers from 6 to 12. The enhancement in mechanical properties is due to adhesion at the interface caused by chemical treatment and is evidenced with FTIR analysis. SEM test obviously describes reducing void content by increasing the number of layers into the NFGC.

Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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