![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
This study aims to characterize and find the suitability of Calotropis procera fibers to reinforce polymer matrices from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Composite samples are prepared using varying weight % of Calotropis procera fibers with epoxy resin as matrix and the effect of fiber loading on the tensile, flexural, impact and water absorption properties are conducted and reported. It is found that fiber loading improves the mechanical strength of the composites and it is attributed to the strong bonding that exists between the fiber reinforcement and the matrix polymer. Fiber loading in excess of 40 weight % leads to decrease in the mechanical strength, while no significant difference in water absorption is noticed when the fiber loading exceeds 30 weight %. The study suggests that Calotropis procera fibers are promising candidates to reinforce polymers and can be used for the fabrication of composites.
摨要
本研究旨在通过傅立叶变换红外光谱和X射线衍射研究来表征和发现Calotropis procera纤维增强聚合物基体的适用性.以环氧树脂为基体，用不同重量%的Calotropis procera纤维制备了复合材料试样，研究了纤维负载对复合材料拉伸、弯曲、冲击和吸水性能的影响.结果表明，纤维的加载提高了复合材料的力学强度，这是由于纤维增强材料与基体聚合物之间存在强粘结.纤维负荷超过40%时，机械强度降低，纤维负荷超过30%时吸水率无显著差异.研究表明，Calotropis-procera纤维是增强聚合物的理想材料，可用于复合材料的制备.
Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful to Mr A. Balasubramanian, retired Tamil Nadu Government Forest Engineering Division Officer, for his kind support in fiber extraction and sample preparation.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
K. Yoganandam
Dr. K. Yoganandam completed his UG and PG specialized in Mechanical Engineering. Recently he has completed his research and has obtained his Doctorate degree under the faculty of Mechanical Engineering. He his interested in composite materials and is currently working in the area of natural fiber composites.
P. Ganeshan
Dr. P. Ganeshan is working as Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in V.S.B Engineering College, Karur, Tamilnadu, India which is affiliated with Anna University, Chennai, India. He has studied his Undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering and Post Graduate in Engineering Design from Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India.He obtained his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Anna University Chennai and has more than 10.5 years of experience in research, teaching and industry. His area of research is the use of the composite materials in various application. He has published 32 research papers in peer reviewed Journals and conferences.
B. NagarajaGanesh
Dr. B. NagarajaGanesh is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Madurai Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sivagangai District. Tamil Nadu State, India. He completed his Bachelors Engineering Degree specialized in Mechanical Engineering from Madurai Kamaraj University and his Masters Degree in Engineering specialized in CAD/CAM from Anna University with University II rank. He obtained his Doctorate Degree under the faculty of Mechanical Engineering from Anna University. In addition, he has completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Post Graduate Diploma in Operations Research. He has about 12 years of experience in teaching and research. He has published many research papers in peer reviewed journals and has authored two books titled Total Quality Management and Production Planning and Control respectively as a sole author.
K. Raja
Dr. K. Raja is working as Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering, Anna University-Dindigul Campus, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India. He obtained his Undergraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Government College of Engineering Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. He obtained his Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. He obtained his doctoral degree from National Institute of Technology, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. He has more than 18 years of experience in research, teaching and industry. His areas of research are Composite Materials and Manufacturing Engineering. He has guided 12 PhD research scolars.He has published 92 research articles in peer reviewed Journals and conference.
