Abstract
Nowadays, research is focused on using bio-degradable natural fibre-based composites for secondary structural members. The present study aims to investigate the effect of fiber loading and surface treatment on the mechanical, vibrational, and viscoelastic properties of short, randomly oriented Abelmoschus Esculentus fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The composite was fabricated by reinforcing various weight percentages of Abelmoschus Esculentus in epoxy resin by hand lay-up method and tested for tensile, flexural, and impact tests as per ASTM standards. Further, the fibres are treated with alkali to evaluate their effect on the mechanical properties of composites. The analysis indicated that fiber loading had a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the composite, with the maximum tensile strength of 27.8 MPa being obtained at a fiber loading of 20 volume %. The surface treatment of the fiber with 2% NaOH solution increased the tensile strength by 34%. All composite specimens were subjected to vibration analysis. The results showed that composite reinforced with 20% fibre loading provided superior mechanical and damping qualities. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis revealed that the Storage Modulus (E’) improved with the addition of Abelmoschus Esculentus fiiber.
Keywords: Abelmoschus Esculentus fiber; free vibration; SEM analysis; viscoelastic properties; composite