Abstract
Untreated and alkaline treated bamboo and flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites are processed using a hand layup process. The effect of alkaline treatment on the mechanical properties of the composites has been analysed. Alkaline treatment of the fiber has enhanced the mechanical properties of the developed composites. Composite reinforced with 5 % NaOH treated fiber show better performance when compared with untreated fiber reinforced composites. Alkaline treatment of the bamboo and flax fiber with 5 % NaOH has improved the hardness by 3.57 and 2.43 %, tensile strength by 47 and 20.72 % and flexural strength by 7.36 and 13.85 % in bamboo and flax fiber reinforced composites, respectively. The increase in the percentage NaOH in the alkaline treatment of the fibers resulted in weakening of fiber resulting in a drop in the properties of the developed composites. Water absorption tests of the developed composites were conducted as per ASTM D570 by immersion in distilled water at room temperature. The influence of water absorption on mechanical properties of developed composites is also examined. The quantity of water absorption and diffusion coefficient are reduced with alkaline treatment of fiber. Mechanical properties of the composite were found to decrease by the water absorption, which can be controlled by alkaline treatment of fiber and thereby reducing water absorption rate and improve the mechanical properties of the composites.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 Reinforcing natural fiber in polymer resin is highly beneficial because it helps to improves the strength and toughness of the polymer
 Moisture absorption rate and lack of interfacial adhesion between the polymer and natural fiber made natural fiber reinforced composites less attractive compared to synthetic fiber reinforced composites
 Alkaline treatment of the natural fiber increases the fiber surface roughness, which results in improved mechanical interlock between fiber and matrix, resulting in improved mechanical and water resistance properties of the developed composites
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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