Experimental investigations on mechanical and water absorption properties of epoxy resin matrix treated sugarcane and tamarind shell powder reinforced bio-Composites

Abstract

Synthesizing hybrid bio-composites has come a long way thanks to the use of multiple types of natural materials as reinforcement and filler in recent years. To test the mechanical and water-absorbing properties of a composite, this experiment blended epoxy resin with powdered tamarind shell and short, chemically-treated sugarcane fibres. Powdered tamarind shell and short, chemically processed sugarcane fibres are employed as reinforcing elements. By adjusting the percentage of epoxy resin used while changing the amounts of the reinforcing components, scientists created hybrid bio-composite samples. To make hybrid bio composites boards, manufacturers turned to hot injection moulding. Specimens of hybrid bio-composite are cut from the boards using water jet machining to undergo a variety of mechanical and water absorption tests in accordance with ASTM standards. The aforementioned studies demonstrate that the mechanical stress resistance and water absorption capabilities of hybrid bio-composites can be enhanced by the addition of very small amounts of fine sugarcane powder and tamarind shell powder to an epoxy resin matrix. Experimental results showed that the maximum compressive, flexural, ultimate tensile, and yield strengths for C4 composite specimens were 36.17, 38.53, and 34.63 MPa, respectively. These specimens contained 50 wt% epoxy resin, 35 wt% treated sugarcane fibre, and 15 wt% tamarind shell particles. Similarly, the maximum flexural modulus (10.96 GPa), elongation percentage (3.3%), impact strength (13.51 kJ/m2) and water absorption percentage (7.15%) were noticed in C4 composite specimens accordingly.