Progress report on

Evolution of composite material for fabrication

of field hockey stick

Under supervision of

Submitted to:-

Submitted by
 Sam Higgingbottom University Of Agriculture Technology And
Sciences
Vaugh Institute Of Agriculture, Engineering And Technology
Department Of Mechanical Engineering
INTRODUCTION

1.1 NATURAL FIBRE

Natural fibre composites include coir, jute, bagasse, cotton, bamboo, hemp. Natural fibres
come from plants. These fibres contain lingo cellulose in nature. Natural fibres are eco-friendly;
lightweight, strong, renewable, cheap and biodegradable. The natural fibres can be used to
reinforce both thermosetting and thermoplastic matrices. Thermosetting resins such as epoxy,
polyester, polyurethane, phenolic are commonly used composites requiring higher performance
applications. They provide sufficient mechanical properties in particular stiffness and strength at
acceptably low price levels. Recent advances in natural fibre development are genetic
engineering. The composites science offer significant opportunities for improved materials from
renewable resources with enhanced support for global sustainability. Natural fibre composites are
attractive to industry because of their low density and ecological advantages over conventional
composites. These composites are gaining importance due to their non-carcinogenic and bio-
degradable nature. Natural fibre composites are very cost effective material especially in building
and construction, packaging, automobile and railway coach interiors and storage devices .These
composites are potential candidates for replacement of high cost glass fibre for low load bearing
applications . Natural fibres have the advantages of low density, low cost and biodegradability.
However, the main disadvantages of natural fibre composite are the relative high moisture
absorption. Therefore, chemical treatments are done so as to modify the fibre surface properties.
 GLASS FIBER
Glass fiber (or glass fibre) is a material consisting of numerous extremely
fine fibers of glass.

Glass fiber has roughly comparable mechanical properties to other fibers such as
polymers and carbon fiber. Although not as rigid as carbon fiber, it is much
cheaper and significantly less brittle when used in composites. Glass fibers are
therefore used as a reinforcing agent for many polymer products; to form a very
strong and relatively lightweight fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite
material called glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), also popularly known as
"fiberglass". This material contains little or no air or gas, is more dense, and is a
much poorer thermal insulator than is glass wool.
 Fiber Density Elastic Tensile Compressive
gm/cm3 modulus strength strength
GPa MPa MPa
GLASS 2.58 73 3445 1080
FIBER
NATURAL FIBER
Sisal Fiber:
Sisal Fiber is one of the most widely used natural fiber and is very easily cultivated. It is obtain
from sisal plant. The plant, known formally as Agave sisalana. These plants produce rosettes of
sword-shaped leaves which start out toothed, and gradually lose their teeth with maturity. Each
leaf contains a number of long, straight fibers which can be removed in a process known as
decortication. During decortication, the leaves are beaten to remove the pulp and plant material,
leaving the tough fibers behind. The fibers can be spun into thread for twine and textile
production, or pulped to make paper products.
 Sisal fiber
Sisal fiber is fully biodegradable, green composites were fabricated with soy protein resin
modified with gelatin. Sisal fiber, modified soy protein resins, and composites were
characterized for their mechanical and thermal properties. It is highly renewable resource of
energy. Sisal fibre is exceptionally durable and a low maintenance with minimal wear and tear.
Its fibre is too tough for textiles and fabrics. It is not suitable for a smooth wall finish and also
not recommended for wet areas.

The fine texture of Sisal takes dyes easily and offers the largest range of dyed colours of all
natural fibres. Zero pesticides or chemical fertilisers used in sisal agriculture. It is a stiff fiber
traditionally used in making twine, rope and also dartboards Sisal fiber is manufactured from the
vascular tissue from the sisal plant (Agavesisalana). It is used in automotive friction parts
(brakes, clutches), where it imparts green strength to performs, and for enhancing texture in
coatings-application.

Properties;
1. Sisal Fiber is exceptionally durable with a low maintenance with minimal wear and tear.
2. It is Recyclable.
3. Sisal fibers are obtained from the outer leaf skin, removing the inner pulp.
4. It is available as plaid, herringbone and twill.
5. Sisal fibers are Anti static, does not attract or trap dust particles and does not absorb
moisture or water easily.
6. The fine texture takes dyes easily and offers the largest range of dyed colours of all
natural fibers.
7. It exhibits good sound and impact absorbing properties.
8. Its leaves can be treated with natural borax for fire resistance properties.
Chemical Composition of Sisal Fiber:
Cellulose 65%
Hemicelluloses 12%
Lignin 9.9%
Waxes 2%
Total 100%
Aramid fibers are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. They are
used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic-rated body
armor fabric and ballistic composites, in bicycle tires, marine cordage, marine
hull reinforcement, and as an asbestos substitute

FIBER DENSI STRENG TENSIL ULTIMA YOUNG

S TY TH E TE MODUL
Gm/cm KNm/kg STRENG STRENG US
3 TH TH GPa
MPa MPa
ARAM 1.44 2514 2757 2757 70.5-
ID 112.4

KEVLAR
Kevlar is a heat resistant and strong synthetic fiber
related to other aramid such as nomex and technora .
kevlar has many application ranging from bicycle
tyres and racing sales to bulletproof vest because of
its high tensile strength to weight by this measure it is
 five times stronger than steel . it has high strength ,
toughness, modulus and thermal stability .

FIBERS DENSITY Compressive TENSILE

Gm/cm3 STRENGTH STRENGTH
MPa MPa

KEVLAR 1467.0 517.1 2757.9

ARAMID
The organic fibre with enough tensile modulus and
strength to be used as reinforcement in advanced
composites was an aromatic polyamide fibre or aramid
fibre. As aramids have 5 -10% higher mechanical
property than other synthetic fibers
FIBERS DENSIT STRENGT TENSILE ULTIMATE YOUNG
Y H STRENGT STRENGT MODULU
Gm/cm3 KNm/kg H H S
MPa MPa GPa

ARAMI 1.44 2514 2757 2757 70.5-112.4

D

CERAMICS
Ceramics fibre is a light weight insulating
product. It has low thermal mass which
means that it does not retain heat, has low
thermal conductivity and is an extremely
effective insulation material.
Field Hockey stick