Integration and mechanical and water absorption characteristics of treated natural fiber-titanium nanoparticles embedded polyester composites

Polymer-based matrix composites are familiar in automotive applications. Due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, improved chemical resistance, and ease of processing. However, the epoxy-based composites are found to be more brittle, with reduced impact toughness and limited flexibility. This research on polymer composites is developed using a polyester matrix, embedded with 16 wt% of short neem (treated) fibers and varying wt% of titanium nanoparticles (Ti, 50 nm), via a hot compression mould process. The effectiveness of Ti nanoparticle loading on the functional properties of polyester/neem (treated) fibers is studied and compared. Given the significance of the hot-compression process, the Ti nanoparticles and neem (treated) fibers are effectively dispersed in the polyester matrix, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The strong interface between the fiber/particle combination and the polyester matrix improved tensile, impact, hardness, and moisture-absorption resistance. According to the investigation results, the polyester composite made with 16 wt% neem fiber and 6 wt% Ti nanoparticles exhibits the highest tensile stress (89.6 MPa), improved impact toughness (4.3 J/mm²), high microhardness (34 HV), and reduced moisture (water) absorption (1.5% at 14 days). Moreover, the addition of Ti nanoparticles decreased the elongation from 45.5% to 39.5% and also enhanced its thermal stability 11.3% than polyester matrix (base). The novel composite sample is the trade for automotive cabinet and seat frame applications.