Evaluation on mechanical properties of randomly oriented Caryota fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

Currently, the fibers made of synthetic materials are replaced by the natural fibers in composites, due to their environmental impact. So, this paper introduces a new natural fiber, the Caryota fiber, which is developed from the fishtail palm. In the present investigation, chopped randomly-oriented Caryota fiber is reinforced with the polyester resin to prepare a composite laminate. The compression molding machine is utilized to manufacture these composites. Further, the mechanical characteristics are evaluated by carrying out various tests such as tensile, impact, shear etc. In addition, the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used for observing interfacial properties such as cracks, voids, fiber pull out, etc. in the fractured surface. The analysis of the results indicates that, 40% of fiber content performs better than the other weight fractions. The research further suggests that, the Caryota fiber properties produce better results than the other natural fibers in the literature. Hence, this composite is utilized as a substitute material in the automobile and related industries.

Keywords

• Composites
• Natural fibre
• Caryota
• Mechanical properties
• Fibre content