The Effects of Sodium Hydroxide and Soda AQ Content on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Waste Flax Fibre Pulp Reinforced Polymer Composite Sheet

Abstract

The aim of this study is utilized agricultural waste which may be profitable, pollution free and economically viable for the farmer and industries. In this experiment short flax fiber pulp is the natural fiber component chemically treated with alkaline solutions. Six specimens will be prepared in different volume percentage of flax fiber pulp and epoxy resin in order to get more accurate results. In this study it has been aimed to use flax fibres in composite materials and to study the mechanical properties of the produced samples. The mechanical tests results (thickness test, Tensile strength and impact strength tests) and SEM micrographs indicated flax fibres as an alternative natural fibre source for developing reinforced composites for various industries. The content of short flax fiber pulp is varied (35%, 45%, 55%) weight percentage whereas the epoxy resin is varied (50%, 40%, 30%) percentage is kept constant 15% in hardener. All the sample have been tested in universal testing machine as per ASTM standard for tensile strength and impact strength it is observed that composite with 35% flax fiber pulp is having highest tensile strength of 4 mm (4.57 Mpa) and 8 mm (6.04 Mpa). The impact strength of composite with 35% flax fiber pulp was highest than 45% to 55% flax fiber pulp.