Applied Sciences
| Open Access | Multiscale Hygrothermal and Dynamic Damping Behavior of Carbon-Based and Natural-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: Theory, Mechanisms, and Design Implications
Fakhriddin Bakhtiyarovna , Senior Project Manager, PMO Lead/Hercules Dynamics Toronto, CanadaAbstract
This article synthesizes experimental findings, micromechanical models, and theoretical frameworks to present an integrated perspective on hygrothermal effects and dynamic damping in carbon-based and natural-fiber reinforced polymer composites. The work brings together seminal discoveries on graphitic and carbon-nanostructured materials, classical studies on moisture- and temperature-induced strains in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers, contemporary micromechanical approaches to interface shock and moisture transport, and recent advances in natural-fiber composites. The study articulates how nanoscale architecture and surface functionalization modulate macroscale mechanical and viscoelastic responses, why non-Fickian moisture transport must be included in predictive models, and how multiscale hierarchical reinforcement — from nanotubes to natural fibers — affects stiffness, fracture toughness, damping capacity, and long-term durability. Using critical analysis of prior methodologies and synthesized theoretical constructs, the article offers a detailed conceptual methodology for experimental design and modelling that captures coupled hygrothermal–mechanical interactions and dynamic energy dissipation mechanisms. Major outcomes include (1) a mechanistic taxonomy of damping contributions spanning intrinsic polymer viscoelasticity, interfacial friction, microcracking and nanotube pull-out, (2) an argument for including spatial fiber distributions and interface micromechanics in moisture-diffusion models to predict non-uniform swelling and residual stress fields, and (3) practical implications for material selection, surface treatment, and design of hybrid composites to optimize damping and durability under variable environmental loads. The article concludes with limitations of current knowledge, specific directions for multi-physics modelling, and experimental protocols to close the gaps between nanoscale phenomena and structural-scale behavior. Throughout, claims are grounded in the provided literature to ensure a rigorous, publication-ready synthesis.
Keywords
hygrothermal effects, damping, carbon nanotubes, moisture diffusion
References
Iijima S. Helical microtubules of graphitic carbon. Nature 1991; 354(6348): 56–58.
Collings TA, Stone DEW. Hygrothermal effects in CFRP laminate: strains induced by temperature and moisture. Compos 1985; 16: 4.
Lee CY, Pfeifer M, Thompson BS. The characterization of elastic moduli and damping capacities of Graphite/Epoxy composite laminated beams in hygrothermal environments. J Compos Mat 1989; 23: 819.
Chandra R, Singh S, Gupta K. Damping studies in fiber-reinforced composites–a review. Compos Str 1999; 46(1): 41–51.
Nilanjan M. Micromechanical model to study hygrothermal shocks at the fiber-matrix interface. J Rein Plast Compos 2000; 21: 1271–1283.
Koratkar N, Wei B, Ajayan PM. Carbon nanotube films for damping applications. Adv Mat 2002; 14: 13–14.
Khan SU, Li CY, Siddiqui NA. Vibration damping characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced composites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Compos Sci Tech 2011; 71(12): 1486–1494.
Hirsch A. Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes. Ange Chem Int Edit 2002; 41(11): 1853.
Gojny FH, Wichmann MHG, Kopke U. Carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy composites: enhanced stiffness and fracture toughness at low nanotube content. Compos Sci Tech 2004; 64(15): 2363–2371.
David AB. Moisture diffusion in a fiber-reinforced composite: Part I–Non-Fickian transport and the effect of fiber spatial distribution. J Compos Mat 2004; 39: 23(2005): 2113–2141.
Vigneshwaran S, Sundarakannan R, John KM, Joel Johnson RD, Prasath KA, Ajith S, Arumugaprabu V, Uthayakumar M. Recent advancement in the natural fiber polymer composites: a comprehensive review. J Clean Prod 2020; 277: 124109.
Taj S, Munawar MA, Khan S. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Proc. Pakistan Acad. Sci. 2007; 44(2): 129.
Siakeng R, Jawaid M, Ariffin H, Sapuan SM, Asim M, Saba N. Natural fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites: a review. Polym Compos 2019; 40: 446–463.
Maiti S, Islam MR, Uddin MA, Afroj S, Eichhorn SJ, Karim N. Sustainable Fiber-Reinforced composites: a review. Adv. Sustain. Syst. 2022; 6: 2200258.
Khilji IA, Chilakamarry CR, Surendran AN, Kate K, Satyavolu J. Natural fiber composite filaments for additive manufacturing: a comprehensive review. Sustainability 2023; 15: 16171.
Shlykov, S., Rogulin, R., & Kondrashev, S. (2022). Determination of the dynamic performance of natural viscoelastic composites with different proportions of reinforcing fibers. Curved and Layered Structures, 9(1), 116-123.
Karimah A, Ridho MR, Munawar SS, Ismadi, Amin Y, Damayanti R, Lubis MAR, Wulandari AP, Nurindah, Iswanto AH, Fudholi A, Asrofi M, Saedah E, Sari NH, Pratama BR, Fatriasari W, Nawawi DS, Rangappa SM, Siengchin S. A comprehensive review on natural fibers: technological and socio-economical aspects. Polym 2021; 13: 4280.
Download and View Statistics
Copyright License
Copyright (c) 2024 Fakhriddin Bakhtiyarovna
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain the copyright of their manuscripts, and all Open Access articles are disseminated under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CC-BY), which licenses unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is appropriately cited. The use of general descriptive names, trade names, trademarks, and so forth in this publication, even if not specifically identified, does not imply that these names are not protected by the relevant laws and regulations.