Hair-Reinforced Elastomer Matrix Composites: Formulation, Mechanical Testing, and Advanced Microstructural
Eugene S Statnik1, Julijana Cvjetinovic2, Semen D Ignatyev1
1«LUCh» Lab, NUST MISIS, 119049 Moscow, Russia.
Polymers
|November 25, 2023
Summary
Human hair reinforced nitrile butadiene rubber composites demonstrate significant improvements in mechanical properties. This sustainable material offers enhanced stiffness and strength, presenting a viable alternative to traditional non-recyclable composites.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Traditional epoxy matrix composites offer high performance but suffer from poor recyclability and biodegradability.
- Carbonized elastomeric composites present a recyclable alternative, with ongoing research into various fillers.
- Renewable organic fibers, like human hair, are being explored as sustainable reinforcing agents for elastomeric matrices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical performance of human hair-reinforced nitrile butadiene rubber (HH-NBR) composites.
- To evaluate the reinforcement effect of human hair in both cured and carbonized states.
- To assess the interfacial bonding and spatial distribution of hair fibers within the rubber matrix.
Main Methods:
- Production of unidirectional and quasi-isotropic HH-NBR composites with varying hair volume fractions.
- Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and photoacoustic microscopy.
- Mechanical testing including tensile tests to determine elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and damage tolerance.
Main Results:
- Significant enhancement in elastic modulus (up to 10x) and ultimate tensile strength (up to 3x) was observed.
- Improved damage tolerance was achieved in the reinforced composites.
- SEM confirmed satisfactory interfacial bonding between human hair fibers and the nitrile butadiene rubber matrix.
Conclusions:
- Human hair serves as an effective reinforcing fiber for nitrile butadiene rubber composites.
- The developed HH-NBR composites exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to unreinforced materials.
- Photoacoustic microscopy shows potential for non-destructive testing and 3D reconstruction of the fiber distribution.
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