Effects of Processing Methods on Mechanical Properties of Alkali Treated Bagasse Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Geoffrey Bem Nyior,Ekene Chukwuka Mgbeahuru

doi:10.4236/jmmce.2018.63024

Geoffrey Bem Nyior, Ekene Chukwuka Mgbeahuru

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jmmce.2018.63024

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Abstract

Effects of the processing methods on the mechanical properties of treated bagasse fibre reinforced epoxy composite were evaluated. The composite materials were processed by employing hand lay-up and compression moulding methods and fibres were treated with NaOH solution. The composite samples were subjected to tensile, flexural and impact tests. Based on the findings, compression moulding method produced better mechanical properties compared to the composites manufactured by hand lay-up method. The results showed that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the samples produced by compression moulding method increased by 77 percent and 47 percent respectively (at optimal fibre loading) compared to those produced by the hand lay-up method. The results also showed noticeable improvements in the impact strength of the material produced by compression moulding method, with impact strength of 11.5 kJ/m2 against the samples produced by hand lay-up method, with impact strength of 7 kJ/m2.

Highlights

In recent years, natural fibres have been the most widely used fibre in the composite industry
The results showed that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the samples produced by compression moulding method increased by 77 percent and 47 percent respectively compared to those produced by the hand lay-up method
It was noticed from all tested materials as shown above, that the hand lay-up method gave a maximum tensile strength of 3.66 MPa at 20 percent reinforcement while the compression moulding method gave a better result with a maximum tensile strength of 16.23 MPa at 20 percent reinforcement

Summary

Introduction

Natural fibres have been the most widely used fibre in the composite industry. This is because natural fibres have many exceptional properties that are difficult or impossible to match with synthetic fibres. These advantages include renewable, environment friendly, low cost, low density, flexibility of usage and biodegradability [1].

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Results

Conclusion