Development and Behavior of Mechanical, Chemical Resistance and Morphology Properties of Silicon/Coir Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Room temperature cured epoxy was impregnated with coir fiber in order to synthesis composites. Coir fiber is taken in the 3&5% weight in order to suspend on epoxy resin. Two different proportions of Silicon / Coir fiber hybrid composites were prepared by incorporated into the Epoxy as the core material using rule of hybrid mixtures (RoHM). Mechanical properties like flexural strength and modulus, tensile strength and modulus and morphological properties were also studied. Composites were prepared using hand layup technique in presence of hot compression molding technique. The mechanical properties of Silicon / Coir fiber hybrid composites were investigated with reference to the relative weight of Silicon and Coir fiber. The chemical resistance of hybrid composites with and without alkali treatments has been studied. Variation of a fore mentioned mechanical properties and chemical resistance has been studied with different combinations of Silicon and coir fiber as reinforced into epoxy matrix. Fiber, filler reinforced plastics have replaced the metals in Aerospace, Marine, Chemical and Transport industries. Fiber, filler reinforced plastic have gained recognition as structural material. The most important reason for replacing composite materials is that, substantial weight saving can be achieved and strength to weight, and stiffness to weight ratios are superior to the conventional materials of aircraft structures such as aluminum alloy. Composites are materials based on the controlled distribution of one or more materials, termed as reinforcement, in a continuous phase of second materials, called the matrix. The reinforcement is added to provide strength and stiffness to a composite. The matrix is also known as ‘Binder’ material.