Effect of nanoclay and seashell filler addition on physical, mechanical, thermal and flammability characteristics of natural fiber hybrid polymer composites

In the current work, physical, mechanical, and flammability characteristics of Sida acuta (SA)/ Abutilon indicum (AI) natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites added with two fillers nanoclay at 1, 1.5, 2 and 3.0 wt% and with seashell powder at 5, 10 and 15 wt% was investigated. Tensile and flexural strength of SA/AI fiber reinforced hybrid composites were found to substantially improve with the addition of 2 wt% nanoclay and 10 wt% seashell powdered particles. Specimens added with 1.5 wt% nanoclay showed highest impact resistance of about 22.04% greater than that of alkali treated unfilled composites. UL94 Flammability tests performed on nine different types of composites revealed that thermal performance of nanoclay and seashell powder added specimens was found to be appreciably higher and was found to satisfy V-0 rating. The crystallinity index of SA/AI fiber reinforced composites added with 2 wt% nanoclay and 10 wt% seashell powder was found to be 84.83% and 73.88% respectively. Limiting oxygen index tests revealed that LOI value increases with increase in the addition of nanoclay and seashell powder with highest LOI value of 25% was observed in specimens added with 15 wt% seashell powder. The value of heat deflection temperature was found to increase by 14.34% and by 13.68% in specimens added with 2 wt% nanoclay and 10 wt% seashell powder. Such hybrid composite systems could be potentially applied in nonstructural applications such as partition board, door and window panels, wall paneling and false ceiling works.