Development and evaluation of water absorption, compression and impact properties of okra Nanofibrillated cellulose reinforcement in epoxy resin composites

Abstract

Abstract Nanofibrillated cellulose were extracted from natural fibre of Okra plant by a chemical, Acid hydrolysis and mechanical method to study their potential for use as reinforcement fibrils in bio composite applications. The okra Nanofibrillated cellulose composites were prepared by Compression moulding and VARTM method. The Present work was to investigate water absorption, compression and impact properties of okra Nanofibrillated cellulose reinforced epoxy composites. The water absorption compression and impact of okra Nanofibers Reinforced Epoxy composites were studied and the effects of okra Nanofiber (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 wt%) are also examined. The water absorption, compression and impact properties of Nanofibre reinforcement has improved when compared with the virgin composite. Water Absorption capacity is less for okra Nanofibrillated cellulose reinforced epoxy resin composites sample when compared to other composite samples but it is high when compared to pure epoxy resin sample. The compression strength of 4 wt% okra Nanofibrillated cellulose composites shows improve quality result among other composites and it gives 4 wt% improved strength of the pure epoxy resin composites. Whereas 4 wt% okra Nanofibrillated cellulose composites (OKCNFs) shows improve impact strength as compared to Epoxy resin composites. The okra Nanofibrillated cellulose composites are tested by means water absorption, compression and impact test based on ASTM standard. Effect of Fibril surface Treatment on water absorption, compression and impact properties are also observed.