Exploring Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Pectin: Modified Nettle and Glass Fiber Reinforced Hybrid Composites
摘要
This study examines the mechanical properties and performance improvement of hybrid natural fibre composites reinforced with nettle and glass fibres, modified with pectin biopolymer in a vinyl ester resin matrix. The main goal is to enhance fibre-matrix interfacial adhesion, addressing prevalent issues such moisture sensitivity and insufficient mechanical performance in natural fibre composites. Composites with differing pectin concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) were produced via the hand lay-up technique and rigorously assessed through tensile, edge-wise compression, interlaminar shear, impact resistance, hardness and flammability tests. The results indicated that pectin treatment markedly improved mechanical characteristics by enhancing fibre-matrix compatibility. The composite containing 5% pectin (NG1) demonstrated the greatest tensile strength of 114.52 N/mm2, in contrast to 111.97 N/mm2 for the unmodified composite (NG). The edge-wise compressive strength of the 10% pectin composite (NG2) reached a maximum of 74.67 N/mm2, exceeding that of other samples, while the interlaminar shear strength attained a high of 19.15 N/mm2 for NG2, compared to 12.36 N/mm2 for the control NG composite. Impact resistance consistently increased with higher pectin levels, reaching 5.07 N/mm2 for NG3, indicating better toughness. Flammability assessments indicated UL-94 V-2 ratings for all composites, with the exception of NG3, which attained a UL-94 V-1 classification, signifying enhanced flammability resistance attributed to pectin alteration. The results validate the effectiveness of silane-functionalized pectin in facilitating environmentally sustainable, biodegradable composites with optimal mechanical and fire resistance characteristics. This research offers a promising strategy for the production of economical, durable composites appropriate for automotive, construction, and lightweight structural applications.