Mechanical Characterization of Stacked Roselle Fibre Composites: Effect of Fibre Orientation

Abstract

The effect of fibre orientation on the tensile and dynamic mechanical performance of stacked Roselle fibre epoxy composites has been investigated. The hand layup method is employed to produce 0/90, 0/45 and ± 45 oriented Roselle fibre epoxy composites. The tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were conducted as per ASTM standards. Results revealed that the tensile strength of 0/45 oriented Roselle fibre composite is 341% more than neat epoxy, 44% higher than 0/90 oriented composite and 106% greater than ± 45 oriented composite. As compared to pure resin, composites possess enhanced storage modulus. The composite with 0/45 orientation has higher storage modulus value than other composites. All Roselle fibre composites have up to 15% reduced glass transition temperature as compared to neat epoxy. SEM images cover the fibre pull-out and the presence of micro-voids in the epoxy matrix.