Evaluation of Flexural Strength of Epoxy Resin Based hybrid Composites Reinforced with Jute, Banana and Flax Natural Fibers for Bio medical applications

Abstract

In recent days the concern for the environmental pollution and the prevention of non-renewable and non- biodegradable resources has promoted research in the field of green technologies, eco friendly, non polluting materials which can maximize energy and resource savings. In the present work Jute fibres reinforced with uniaxial glass fibres in epoxy matrix, alongside Banana fibres reinforced with biaxial glass fibres in epoxy matrix and Flax fibres reinforced with biaxial glass fibres in epoxy matrix was prepared and mechanical properties were evaluated and compared for two weight fractions, the samples were prepared by using the hand lay-up process and applying pressure at room temperature. The samples were subjected to flexural testing was performed on the samples to investigate the bending properties and to suggest a material which could compete with synthetic materials and still be easily disposed.From the results, it is easily evident that flax performs better than jute and banana for the flexural strength showing higher values for flexural strength and modulus and hence this fiber can be used for biomedical applications.