Mechanical Behavior of Coir Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites with Variable Fiber Lengths

Abstract

Most studies on the application of natural fibers as reinforcement in polymer composites are growing as a result of the changes in characteristics that fibers can provide for the product. This can be achieved by manufacturing of composites using Hand Layup process. The 2% NaOH fiber treatment was performed to improve fiber-matrix interfaces making spathe- fibre-reinforced composites better mechanical characteristics. Filler loadings as 5% by volume of coir fiber are selected as reinforcement in composites. The varying lengths of fiber chosen as 5mm, 10mm & 15mm and resin-hardner ratio are maintained as 10:0.8. A total 3 numbers of plates with volume as 300 х 300 х 4 mm3 were produced and specimens as per the various ASTM standard were tested to determine the ultimate various Mechanical properties for different configuration. The strength of epoxy resin / coir fiber composites was noticed at a maximum 15 mm (15.27 N / mm2) fiber length. The maximum impact strength of the charpy was also 15 mm fiber length (9.87 kJ / m2).The Experimental results were validated using a numerical method technique in FEA software. The obtained results by experimentation and Finite Element Analysis are very much closer to each other. The results show good mechanical properties and hint us as a replacement for conventional materials in industrial applications.