An experimental investigation on mechanical and tribological properties of Himalayan nettle fiber composite

Abstract

The main focus of the present research work was to explore mechanical and tribological properties of Himalayan nettle fiber and unsaturated polyester resin (GP) using hand lay-up method. Four composite laminates were prepared by adding the Himalayan nettle fibers by weight percentage (5%–20%). The various properties (e.g., tensile strength, hardness, impact strength, and abrasion wear) were calculated for the composite laminates. It was found that the significant variation in properties was observed when fiber addition was in the range 15%. The change in the properties was negligible when fiber addition was increased from 15% by weight.

Keywords

• abrasive wear
• composite
• hand woven
• himalayan nettle
• unsaturated polyester resin