Faculty Publications

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Experimental and numerical investigation on the elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere-reinforced epoxy hybrid composite
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Gurjar, A.K.; Kulkarni, S.M.; Joladarashi, S.; Doddamani, S.
Estimating the elastic characteristics of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites such as luffa fiber reinforced with epoxy is challenging. The structure of luffa cylindrica is complex, like a three-dimensional natural fibrous mat, netting-like structure. The multiscale modeling of such structures is the challenge to be addressed. The prime objective of this work is to determine the specific elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere-reinforced epoxy (LCE) composite, considering the effect of filler volume fractions. Furthermore, multiscale modeling techniques, such as representative volume elements (RVEs) of finite element techniques with chopped, unidirectional, plain, and twill weaving fiber arrangements, were employed. The longitudinal modulus, transverse modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio were predicted through these modeling approaches. However, experimental and analytical methodologies, including the rule of mixture and Halpin–Tsai, were considered to validate the finite element analysis results. The elastic characteristics of LCE composite were therefore shown to be enhanced by increasing filler volume fraction. However, the cenosphere's 20% volume fraction has the highest elastic properties as determined by analytical, experimental, and computational models. Analytical and finite element simulation results were compared with the experimental results, and based on the findings, the most suitable (unidirectional, chopped, plain, and twill weaving) RVE was identified for finite element modeling of LCE composite for the evaluation of elastic properties. Results from practical approaches and the RVE twill weaving model showed good agreement, with less than 1% error, compared to the other analytical and finite element methods. Highlights: NFCs are gaining ground in polymer composites. Overcoming challenges in modeling of luffa fiber inside epoxy matrix. The study uses multiscale modeling with diverse fiber arrangements. Experimental and analytical methods used to confirm FEA results. Increased cenosphere volume fraction boosts LCE composite properties. © 2024 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Influence of sea sand reinforcement on the static and dynamic properties of functionally graded epoxy composites
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Mohan Kumar, T.S.M.; Joladarashi, S.; Kulkarni, S.M.; Doddamani, S.
This study aims to study the static and dynamic properties of the functionally graded epoxy composites with sea sand particles as reinforcement. In this study, functionally graded polymer composites (FGPC) were fabricated by dispersing sea sand throughout the epoxy, exhibiting a spatially varying composition profile within the material. Physio-mechanical properties and high strain rate compression responses were determined for the prepared FGPC by varying the composition of sea sand [0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% (by weight)]. The gradience analysis was performed using the burn-out test and weight method, and the results significantly matched, as well as the variation in gradation could be identified. The density and void content are increased with increased sea sand composition. Tensile and specific strength for neat epoxy shows a 2.41 times increase compared to 30% sea sand-filled epoxy. When loaded from the composite side of FGPC, flexural strength increased by 27.93%, hardness increased by 12.47%, and impact strength increased by 2.35 times for 30% sea sand-filled epoxy compared to neat epoxy. Under dynamic compression loading, FGPC was subjected to split-Hopkinson pressure bar experiments for neat and filled epoxy. These samples were deformed at strain rates in the 103 s?1 while subjected to pressures of 2, 3, and 4 bar. Stress–strain curves and the strain rate were computed using the raw data. High strain rates improve compressive strength, which increases exponentially as the strain rates increase. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the fractured specimen are employed to analyze the fracture characteristics. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) © Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute 2024.
Seashell-based filler as sustainable reinforcement: a novel approach to enhance wear performance of bamboo-epoxy composites
(Institute of Physics, 2025) Anand, K.J.; Murthy, A.G.S.; Ekbote, T.; Doddamani, S.; Madhusudhana, H.K.; Patil, A.S.
Seashell wastes are discarded in landfills, causing environmental problem. This study presents a novel approach to valorize seashell waste by converting them into filler particulates and incorporate it into bamboo–epoxy composites. Composites of varying clamshell filler (0–9 wt%) loading were prepared using compression molding method. The wear behavior of composites was studied under dry sliding conditions on a pin-on-disc tribometer following ASTM G99 standard. Taguchi-ANOVA method was employed for statistical analysis of results and to identify the significant factors affecting wear rate. The results showed that adding seashell particles improved the hardness and wear resistance of the bamboo composites. ANOVA results indicated that load has the maximum effect of 47.4% and speed has the effect of 29.4%. Optimal performance was achieved for 6 wt% filler addition, exhibiting 17% improvement in hardness and wear rate was reduced by 60%. The enhancement in wear resistance of bamboo composite was correlated with an increase in hardness and a decrease in damage to the impact surface, as observed in SEM micrographs. These findings establish clamshell filler as an effective reinforcement for improving wear performance of bamboo composites. © 2025 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved.

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