Influence of Mechanical Properties in the Surface Modification of Palm Fiber/Epoxy Matrix Composite

Abstract

Composite reinforcement with naturally available fibers could replace some materials that are conventional like metals and wood. The work presents the mechanical characterization related to epoxy composite reinforced using palm fiber on treatment of alkaline solution. Sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) was used as an agent for treating the fibers and composite specimens were prepared by epoxy reinforced palm fibers at different volume percentage (20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) and evaluation was done for better loading condition through hand lay-up method. The specimens thus prepared were tested for different mechanical properties like flexural, tensile, impact, ILSS and hardness in order to evaluate the strength of the composites as per the ASTM standards. The above said properties are found to be greater for 40 vol.% of surface modified palm fiber composite designation EC40 than the unmodified one. The highest tensile strength of 162MPa, flexural strength of 185MPa and ILSS of 27MPa were observed for this composite. Similarly, the surface-treated EC40 composite designation gives improved mass loss stability. The composites were more stable even at temperature above 330°C. The SEM images showed improved adhesion with matrix.

Keywords

• pmc
• palm fiber
• mechanical properties
• sem
• tga