Enhancing the Free Vibration Characteristics of Epoxy Polymers Using Sustainable Phoenix Sp. Fibers and Nano-Clay for Machine Tool Applications

Abstract

This study focuses on enhancing the free vibration characteristics of epoxy polymers by reinforcing it with Phoenix sp. fibers and nano-clay for the first time. The composites were prepared by varying the fiber length, fiber volume fraction, concentration of NaOH treatment, and weight percentage of nano-clay and subjected to modal analysis. The optimum fiber length and fiber volume fraction for better vibration characteristics is found to be 30 mm and 40%, respectively. Moreover, the results revealed that the chemical treatment and nano-clay addition show the largest effect on vibration behavior of the composites. Based on the experimental data, it is concluded that the natural frequency of epoxy polymer could be enhanced up to 242% by using aforesaid reinforcements.

Keywords

• phoenix sp.
• epoxy composites
• free vibration
• natural frequency
• chemical treatment