Effectiveness of silicon nanoparticles on the mechanical, wear, and physical characteristics of PALF/sisal fiber-based polymer hybrid nanocomposites

High-performance composites made from polymer matrix materials with a long-life span, durability, and low weight are needed in the automotive, household products, and aerospace industries. Lightweight, good specific stiffness, and excellent specific quality are all characteristics of polymer fiber-reinforced composites. The current study examines the mechanical and wear characteristics of PALF/sisal fiber and silicon nanoparticle (SiO2)-reinforced hybrid polymeric composites with various weight percentages, such as 0-8 wt%. Employing mechanical mixing and sonication, SiO2 NPs are dispersed inside a polymer matrix throughout the production process. After that, the nanocomposites are thoroughly characterized to determine their mechanical characteristics, such as their tensile strength, bending strength, and impact strength. Furthermore, tribological experiments like pin-on-disc and wearing measurements of volume are used to evaluate the wear resistance of the hybrids. The C-type hybrids had the greatest mechanical characteristics among the five distinct types of hybrids (i.e., 53.36 MPa tensile, 61.25 MPa flexural, and 4.98 J of impact energy). Adding 4 wt.% silicon nanoparticles decreases volumetric degradation by 8-13% even under typical loading conditions when compared to A-type hybrids. The presence of silicon nanofillers in the fiber matrix composition could be responsible for the lower tendency for volumetric degradation. The rate of wear was noticed to decrease as silicon content increased, and then, after reaching the minimum values for C-type composites, wear started rising as silicon content increased further. To comprehend the entire performance of the nanocomposites, the physical variables, such as density and retention of water, are also investigated. The theoretical and experimental densities of nanocomposites are 1.221-1.253 g/cm(3) and 1.211-1.24 g/cm(3), respectively, and have been observed to rise with increasing silicon particle concentration. The findings will aid in the creation of environmentally friendly and high-performing materials for use in a variety of industries, including the packaging sector, construction, and automobile sectors, where enhanced mechanical features and durability against wear are important. In the end, this study provides expanded knowledge of the viability of using SiO2 nanoparticles to improve the performance of organic fiber-reinforced polymeric composites.