Modifying Mechanical Polymer Composite by Using Hybrid Materials

Abstract

This study investigates the characteristics of polymer resin reinforced with sunflower shell particles (SSP) with the aim of exploring the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. First, prepare an epoxy sample, then reinforce the matrix with a glass fiber at a 5% weight fraction, before preparing hybrid composite samples  (5% fiber glass + 0.1% polypropylene chopped fibers + different concentrations of sunflower shell particles), and finally test the samples' tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness to determine their mechanical properties. The reason for choosing this study was its practical use in prosthetic feet. The results revealed that increasing the particle concentration improved the tensile, flexural, and impact capabilities, but decreased the hardness (Shore D). The hybrid composite specimens with 94.6% EP, 5% E-glass, 0.1% PMM, and 0.3% SSP had the determined tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength (38 and 92) Mpa, & (1.4 KJ/m2).