Processing and determination of mechanical properties of Prosopis juliflora bark, banana and coconut fiber reinforced hybrid bio composites for an engineering field

Abstract

In the present work tensile, flexural, impact and hardness properties of Prosopis juliflora bark (PJb), Banana fiber (Bf), and Coconut fiber (Cf) reinforced epoxy hybrid bio composites (untreated and alkali treated) are expressed for the first time. This experimental investigation Bf as a base material, PJb and Cf are filler materials. The weight percentage of Bf has been maintained as constant and the remaining two fiber fillers were varied. The untreated composite specimen shows the great enhancement of tensile attributes, flexural, and compression strength with an increase in coconut fiber loading. The better interlinking capability between the natural fiber composite (NFC) and an epoxy matrix is also responsible for effective resistance competence. Also, strong hydrogen bond formation due to the higher polarity of the epoxy matrix enhanced the flexural properties of the hybrid natural composites. Impact strength of untreated specimen has increased up to 25% wt. of Cf and Bf. Further addition of Cf and Bf showed a negative effect. Moreover, the hardness value of untreated specimens has gradually decreased with an increase in coconut fiber loading. The mechanical attributes of untreated composite specimens were compared with the treated composite specimen. The outcomes of alkali treated composite specimen show higher tensile attributes, flexural, compression, impact strength, and hardness compared with untreated composite specimens. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations on the fracture surface of composites showed that the surface modification of the fiber occurred and improved fiber-matrix adhesion. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) also used to observed the interfacial properties and characterization of natural fiber composites respectively.