STUDY OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COCONUT-SPATHE FIBERS AND KENAF BAST FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES
Keywords:
Epoxy, Kenaf, Coconut Spathe, Alkali Treatment , Flexural, Impact StrengthAbstract
The interest in natural fiber reinforced polymer materials has multiple drivers such as, growing concern for the environment, possible cost competitiveness, and concerns around the sustainability of materials production. Natural fibers show significant potential as environmentally friendly alternatives to reinforcements such as glass fibers. Many natural fibers have been identified which have some appropriate mechanical properties for structural purposes, being of low density, and high specific strength and stiffness. Kenaf and Coconut-spathe fibers are examples of such fibers. Epoxy polymer matrix is much suitable for reinforcement of fibers due to good adhesiveness and mechanical properties. This paper mainly focuses such of mechanical properties like tensile, flexural, impact strengths of these fibers reinforced in epoxy under various proportions. The fabrication method was by “hand layup process” and the fibers were alkali treated; chopped and reinforced thoroughly in definite weight proportions. The weight proportion of the polymer matrix is maintained whereas the proportions of the fibers are altered and analyzed.
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