Mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced composite structure

Abstract

The increase in drastic impact on the environment led to the search for natural composites to replace the conventional ones. Also, the properties of natural fibers such as thermal insulation, low density, mechanical and acoustic properties made researchers curious to use them in various industrial applications to get overall better efficiency in respective fields. The characteristics of natural fiber composites are durable, low cost, low weight, high specific strength, non-abrasive, equitably good mechanical properties, eco-friendly and biodegradable.In this investigation, the mechanical properties of the composite of kenaf, hemp fiber and epoxy polymer were measured to know about the specific strength of the resulting natural composite. This was achieved by fabricating the composite and then testing it under various conditions using a Universal testing machine and a 3-point Bending Test. The fractured surfaces were then observed by SEM.