Research Article Open Access

Effect of Fibre Content on Compressive and Flexural Properties of Coconut Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Jasem G. Alotaibi1, Ayedh Eid Alajmi1, Belal F. Yousif2 and Nbhan D. Salih3
  • 1 Department of Automotive and Marine Engineering Technology, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Kuwait
  • 2 University of Southern QueenslandFaculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
  • 3 Multimedia University, Malaysia

Abstract

Coconut fibre reinforced polymer composites are gaining popularity in the field of engineering due to the many benefits that come with them such as low cost of production, easy fabrication, enhanced strength compared to other polymer composites. Of late, there has been an increase in the use of composites that are naturally based because they have many benefits. In line with this, the current research is focused on the mechanical properties of coconut fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The effect of the fibre content on the flexural and compressive characteristics of the epoxy composites was investigated. Chemical treatment of the coconut fibres was performed using 50% bleaching concertation. The composites were fabricated in random orientations withe fibre length of 10 mm as recommended by the literature. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fractured surfaces. The main findings are that the increase in the volume fraction of the coconut fibre in the epoxy composites increases the flexural and compressive strengths. SEM showed that the main failure mechanisms were brittle nature in the epoxy regions and pullout and breakage of fibres in the coconut region.

American Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 17 No. 1, 2020, 141-155

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2020.141.155

Submitted On: 25 March 2020 Published On: 20 June 2020

How to Cite: Alotaibi, J. G., Eid Alajmi, A., Yousif, B. F. & Salih, N. D. (2020). Effect of Fibre Content on Compressive and Flexural Properties of Coconut Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 17(1), 141-155. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2020.141.155

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Keywords

  • Natural Fibers
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Epoxy
  • Content Percent