Experimental Characterization of Coir Fiber Based Natural Composites with Variable Fiber Length

Abstract

Most Studies about the utilization of natural fibers as reinforcement in polymeric composites are increasing due to the improvements in properties that fibers can provide to the product. The composites were prepared by compression molding technique with hand layup process. Fiber treatment with 2% NaOH was carried out in order to improve the interfacial bonds between fiber and matrix leading to better mechanical properties of the spathe-fiber-reinforced composite laminates. Filler loadings as 5% by volume of coir fiber or epoxy resin composites have been formulated. The fiber length was chosen as 5 mm, 10 mm & 15 mm and the ratio of epoxy resin: hardener was maintained as 10:0.8. A total 3 numbers of plates with dimension as 300 mm х 300 mm х 4 mm were produced and specimens as per the various ASTM standard were tested to determine the ultimate tensile strength, strain energy, flexural strength and micro hardness value for different configuration. It was observed that the tensile strength of epoxy resin/ coir fiber composites was maximum at 15 mm fiber length (15.27 N/mm2). The charpy notch impact strength was also maximum at 15 mm fiber length (9.87 kJ/m2). The Experimental results were validated using a numerical method technique in FEA software. The obtained results by experimentation and Finite Element Analysis are very much closer to each other.