Investigations on Mechanical and Morphological Characteristics of Mudar Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT Performance of composites can be improved by adding a suitable fiber to the polymer matrix. Many natural fibers available are cost-effective and can be used as reinforcement. Mudar fiber is one among the natural fiber obtained from bark of Crown flower (Calotropis Gigantea) plant. The natural fiber, Mudar, is available in the southern parts of India. The Mudar fiber is primed in a sodium hydroxide solution and diced into 4 mm length. The fiber-reinforced composite is obtained by mixing the epoxy resin with Mudar fiber, and the roller is repeatedly used to reduce the inherent porosities. The mechanical behaviors like flexural, compression, tensile, and impact behaviors of untreated and NaOH-treated Mudar fiber composites are analyzed. The maximum tensile strength was accounted for 20% treated fiber composite,s which was 90% more than the untreated composites. The compressive strength and flexural strength of 30% treated composites was 31% and 83% more than that of the untreated composites, respectively. Similarly, the maximum flexural strength of 40% treated composites was 2.6 times higher than the untreated composites. The morphological characteristics of specimens after tensile and compressive tests for treated and untreated conditions are also investigated. Consequently, it is found that the structural characteristics of polymer composites reinforced with alkali-treated fiber are more superior than those of the untreated fiber.