Fire resistance and physico-mechanical characterization of graphene and fumed silica infused natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite

Natural fiber reinforced composites are environment-friendly, lightweight and cost-effective. A promising sustainable alternative to synthetic material is Jute Fiber reinforced epoxy composite. However, it has some issues like water absorption, combustibility and poor adhesion between resin and fiber. This study finds the effect of using Nano Fumed Silica (SiO2) and graphene on the mechanical properties, moisture absorption and fire resistance capability of unidirectional jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Samples with different concentrations of nano fumed silica (0.5% and1.5%), nano graphene (0.5% and 1.5%) and finally with both industry grade nano fumed silica and graphene (both 0.5% and 1.5%) were developed and then tested to find the tensile strength, hardness, SEM image, fire resistance and lower fiber damage after expose of intense fire, and water absorption capabilities. The 0.5% binary (graphene + silica) composite showed the best with 7.04% improved hardness giving 73.83 in shore D hardness. Other mechanical test, higher tensile strength showed 121.3 MPa in 1.5% graphene variant composite. This shows 31% increase in tensile strength than the base variant of composite. Moisture absorption was observed higher for 1.5% binary (graphene + silica) with a value of 22.86%. The 1.5% binary sample exhibited the highest fire resistance and less fiber damage after partial burning, along with 34.4 ° less temperature recorded at the composites opposite side of the exposed fire giving high temperature shielding, also giving less fiber distortion after 35 s of fire expose, indicating that optimal nanofiller combinations can significantly enhance composite functionality.