Influence of various environments on the mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced S-glass/sisal hybrid polyester composites

This investigation aims to study the influence of various environments, such as groundwater, seawater, mineral water and sub-zero, on reinforced polyester/S-glass/sisal composites with nano clay (NC). Composites with a configuration of S-glass/sisal/sisal/S-glass (GSSG) with different wt% of NC, such as 0, 2, 4, and 6, were manufactured using the hand lay-up method. For 6 days, the composites were conditioned in different environments like seawater, mineral water, groundwater at room temperature, and sub-zero environments at -17-C. The influence of these environments on the tensile and flexural properties of manufactured composites was studied. Composites with 4% NC displayed higher tensile strength, while composites with 2% NC exhibited maximum flexural strength for all the environments. It was perceived that the weight gain was maximum in seawater (0.1857 g) and minimum in mineral water (0.06 g) and sub-zero (0.101 g) conditions for 6% NC condition. Tensile and flexural strengths were reduced by 27% and 24% when samples were submerged in seawater compared to other environments. TEM images for 4 wt% of NC and 6 wt% of NC were studied for dispersions of NC in Polyester, and the effect of NC mixing with polyester was understood for the hybrid polymer composites. Highlights • A novel hybrid composites were fabricated using a double stirring process. • The ultra-sonication led to uniform distribution of nanoparticles. • The mechanical properties and the effect of environments on these properties are studied. • SEM images revealed the aging due to various environments. • The hybrid composites can store mineral water and the sub-zero environment.