Evaluation of mechanical properties of hybridised coir-carbon-basalt reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present work focuses on the evaluation of the mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with coir/carbon/basalt fibres. Reinforcements were used in as-received condition without any surface modifications. Composites were subjected to tensile, flexural and impact tests as per ASTM standards. Water absorption analysis was performed on the prepared composites using normal, salt and distilled water. The highest void fraction of 0.57% was obtained for the composite reinforced with carbon and basalt fibres. Highest tensile strength and modulus of 280 and 2500 MPa were achieved for composites reinforced only with carbon fibres. Hybrid composites fabricated using carbon fibres as outer layers and basalt as inner layers exhibited the highest flexural strength of 55 MPa. Composites reinforced only with basalt fibres displayed maximum impact strength of 22.64 kJ/m2 among the tested laminates. Inclusion of coir fibres significantly reduces tensile strength and modulus by 92.86% and 90%; flexural strength and modulus by 90.91% and 82%; impact strength by 71.74%, respectively. Composites reinforced only with basalt fibres absorbed more water than other combinations under all testing conditions. Scanning electron micrographs showed better interfacial bonding between synthetic fibres and the matrix as compared to natural fibre-reinforced composites.