Effect of Luffa cylindrica fiber and particulate on the mechanical properties of epoxy

Abstract

This study examines the effect of addition of Luffa cylindrica fiber (LCF) and Luffa cylindrica particulate (LCP) on the properties of epoxy resin. Luffa cylindrica fiber treated with 8% NaOH and of 2, 4, and 6% weight fraction was used to reinforce epoxy resin via hand lay-up method. Hybridization of the fiber and particulate was also done with the particulate having a constant weight fraction of 10% whereas the fibers were varied as in the mono-reinforced Luffa cylindrica fiber composite. The samples were machined for mechanical and microstructural analysis. Result showed that addition of the reinforcement led to an improvement in mechanical properties. However, the hybrid was seen to showcase better properties compared to the fiber-reinforced composite with the hybrid sample of composition 4 wt% LCF and 10 wt% LCP exhibiting the highest tensile and flexural strength of 13.489 MPa and 20.3 MPa, respectively. Microstructural analysis showed excellent homogeneity with few voids and better adhesion between the reinforcement and matrix. These results show that this composite can find application in the interior and exterior parts of automobiles as well as in household wares like flower pots.