Characterization of Hemp, Vinyl Ester, and Carbon Fiber Composite Laminated Material Reinforced with Carbon Nano Tubes

Abstract

Natural fibres derived from sustainable natural resources have recently shown promise as an alternative to glass, carbon, and other man-made fibres as a reinforcing material for polymer composites. Hemp is the most often used natural fibre because of its low density, inexpensive cost of manufacturing, and good mechanical qualities. Lightweight, strong, corrosion resistant, and close to net forms are all requirements for today's materials, and composites may help satisfy these. Two or more coupled elements, which are not soluble in each other, make up a composite material, which is a structural substance. Reinforcing phases such as fibres, particles, or flakes exist in composites, as do matrix phases such as polymers, metals, and ceramics. In this study, hemp/carbon fibre and carbon nano tube reinforcement and vinyl ester are used as matrix materials to make various composite materials. The following tests were performed on the composites: a density test, a water absorption test, and an impact test. An investigation into the influence of carbon nanotubes on hemp/vinyl ester/carbon fibre hybrid composites found that fibre loading and performance were significantly affected by the inclusion of carbon nanotubes.