Effect of sawdust impregnation on long coir fibers reinforced with epoxy matrix

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to improve mechanical property of long coir fibers of length 100-150mm using well graded sawdust filler and to scrutinize viability when subjected to distill and sea water conditions for calculated duration. Study involves fabricating eco-friendly composite specimens by maintaining optimum percentage of natural fibers and fillers without compromising on mechanical strength. The composites of different proportions by percentage of matrix (85%, 80%, 75%, 70%), reinforcement (15%, 15%, 15%, 15%), and filler (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) by mass is developed by hand layup method and compared for their mechanical properties in dry, distilled and sea water conditions. Mechanical properties of coir composite materials improved in addition to sawdust fillers up to certain percentage. In dry condition tensile, flexural and hardness was observed. A maximum tensile and flexural modulus of 7.61Gpa and 2.16Gpa respectively was observed. Higher water absorption was noticed in specimen with higher filler percentage than the specimen with no filler. This is due to hydrophilic nature of sawdust and coir. Specimens immersed in distilled and sea water observed a slump by certain percentage in their strength with increase in fillers. Efficient utilization of filler has improved mechanical performance up to certain percentage when compared to specimen with no filler. As the filler percentage increased above 5% due to the higher fiber length and cluster behavior of coir, resistant in resin penetration was observed as a result specimen turned out to be more and more redundant