Effect of coir fiber and TiC nanoparticles on basalt fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites: physico–mechanical characteristics

In the present study, the effect of coir fiber and titanium carbide (TiC) nanoparticles on physico-mechanical and thermal characteristics of basalt fiber reinforced bio/ synthetic epoxy hybrid composites were investigated. Two types of composites were prepared using bio epoxy Sr 33 and synthetic epoxy YD-535 LV, the similar fabrication method, the same volume fractions, static stiffness, and comparable densities. The flexural, tensile, impact, porosity, water absorption tests were carried out, and the tensile fracture condition examined. Analytical methods, such as FTIR, SEM, and TGA, have been conducted to study the structures' modification. Results from this investigation signified that the addition of coir fiber and TiC nanoparticles showed a significant enhancement in mechanical and thermal characteristics with the effect of the highest load transfer between the fillers and matrix materials. The newly developed epoxy hybrid composites have higher resistance from a change in temperature than the pure polymer sample, as evident from thermal stability analysis.