Experimental studies on high-velocity impact of sandwich luffa/Kevlar fiber epoxy composites with nanofiller inclusion

This investigation aims to figure out the contribution of nanoparticles graphene on the high-velocity impact performance and viscoelastic behavior of luffa cylindrica fiber (LCF)/Kevlar sandwich laminates. The epoxy matrix was altered through a mechanical stirring approach by adding varied wt% of the nanofiller graphene. The graphene-added Kevlar/LCF sandwich epoxy composites were created by hot pressing. The mechanical and viscoelastic performance of the sandwich composites was evaluated. The mechanical characteristics of the 3 wt% filler incorporated sandwich composites exceeded those of the control sample. The mechanical characteristics of the sandwich composites with 3 wt% filler incorporated showed improvements of 27.54%, 25.26%, and 26.05%, respectively, for (tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear strength) in contrast to the control sample. Morphological evaluation was executed on the samples being tested to determine the source of the breakage. The micrograph photographs revealed that the 3 wt% nanoparticles incorporated sandwich laminates had the best interfacial bonding and the least fiber disengagement. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was employed on the generated sandwich composites. The DMA findings revealed that sandwich laminates with 3 wt% nanoparticles responded with improved viscoelastic performance. The capability of the Kevlar/luffa fiber laminates using nanographene in addition to absorbing energy was assessed through a ballistic impact test. It was revealed that integrating nanographene into Kevlar/luffa sandwich composites enhanced their resistance to impact. It was seen from the ballistic impact tests that the presence of 3 wt% nanofiller resulted in substantial energy absorption. The composite sample with 3 wt% filler excels over the control sample by 68.80% in terms of energy absorption. In addition, the optimal wt% graphene nanofiller composite samples could be used to manufacture helmets for ground personnel due to their good mechanical and energy absorption capabilities.