Tailoring Toughness of Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Halloysite Nanotubes

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 261 272
    By

    Krishna,

  • Hema H,

  • Amoghavarsha,

  • Bharath P B,

  • Suresha B,

  1. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vidyavardhaka Polytechnic, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
  3. Research scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, P E S College of Engineering, Mandya, Karnataka, India
  4. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, S J M Institute of Technology, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India
  5. Adjunct Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

This comprehensive study investigates the effects of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on the impact strength and fracture toughness of pineapple leaf fabric-reinforced epoxy (PALF/Ep) composites with an emphasis on sustainable material development. ASTM D256 and ASTM D5045 standards were followed in the fabrication of the composites. HNT weight percentages were systematically changed from 0 to 3wt% through using solution mixing and manual lay-up techniques, and vacuum bagging was used to obtain the best fiber-matrix impregnation. Results from these experimental studies demonstrate significant improvements in mechanical performance. According to single-edge notched bend tests, fracture toughness increased from 2.91 ± 0.3 MPa·m1/2 in the unfilled PALF/Ep to a maximum of 4.92 ± 0.2 MPa·m1/2 at 2wt% HNT loading. Izod impact testing revealed that impact strength reached a maximum of 433.9 J/m at this loading, an impressive 95.2% improvement above the unfilled PALF/Ep of 222.3 J/m. Due to nanotube agglomeration, which promoted stress concentrations and poor dispersion, performance somewhat decreased at 3wt% HNT loading. However, HNTs work well as nanofillers, increasing the PALF/Ep composite’s impact and fracture toughness. These results advance bio-based engineering solutions by supporting HNT-modified PALF/Ep for high-performance green composites in structural areas including wind turbine blades and automotive panels.

Keywords: Fracture toughness, halloysite nanotubes, impact strength, nanocomposite toughening mechanisms, PALF/Ep composites.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Krishna, Hema H, Amoghavarsha, Bharath P B, Suresha B. Tailoring Toughness of Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Halloysite Nanotubes. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):261-272.
How to cite this URL:
Krishna, Hema H, Amoghavarsha, Bharath P B, Suresha B. Tailoring Toughness of Pineapple Leaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Halloysite Nanotubes. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):261-272. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236871


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 25/10/2025
Accepted 29/10/2025
Published 14/02/2026
Publication Time 112 Days
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