Influence of weave pattern and composite thickness on mechanical properties of bamboo/epoxy composites

Abstract

The results of an attempt made for studying the influence of weave pattern and composite thickness of plain and twill weave bamboo fabric reinforced epoxy/phenalkamine composites on static mechanical properties are reported in this paper. Plain weave and Twill weave bamboo fabric of 125 gsm were used as reinforcements with medium viscous epoxy B-11 resin and highly viscous AI 1041 phenalkamine bio-based hardener. Thickness of composite achieved were 3.1, 4.3 and 5.4 mm with fiber weight fraction at 18% by hand layup method. The aim was to study the influence of weave pattern and thickness of composite on the tensile, flexural and impact properties. Fourier Transform Infra-Red results showed the presence of cellulose, polysaccharides, cardanol groups and hydrogen bonding of reinforcement and matrix. X-Ray Diffraction peaks displayed higher intensities for twill weave fabric. Tensile studies of fabrics showed 7% higher strength for twill weave compared to that of plain weave fabric in warp direction. Twill weave composites with 5.4 mm thickness showed an increase of 12% in tensile strength and 8% increase in stiffness compared to plain weave composite of same thickness. Twill weave composite with 5.4 mm thickness showed an increase of 22% in flexural strength and 28% in stiffness compared to plain weave composite of same thickness. Izod impact results displayed an increase of 16% in absorbed energy for 5.4 mm thickness twill weave composite when compared with plain weave composite of same thickness. Fractography of fractured specimens of tensile test displayed fiber pullouts for plain weave composites and fiber breakage for twill weave composites. Twill weave composites have shown better wettability than that of plain weave composites.