Study on Flexural Properties of Lotus, Eucalyptus Composites Reinforced with Epoxy and E-glass Fibers in Different Orientations

ABSTRACT

This paper is aimed to compare the flexural strength of composites made of each eucalyptus and lotus natural fibers reinforced with epoxy-hardener. Specimens were prepared in a mold by filling it with alkali (NaOH) treated fibers in criss-cross, biaxial, and uniaxial orientation. Half of the specimens were made with the inclusion of E-glass fiber to study its influence in the mechanical properties of composites prepared. All specimens were made by a typical hand lay-up technique succeeded by the soft compression method. The results from both fibers showed that the maximum flexural strength is shown in uniaxial arrangement whereas the minimum in the biaxial arrangement. However, the flexural strength of composites was increased by the incorporation of glass fiber. Further, the surface morphology at the cross-sections of specimens was studied using a scanning electron microscope.

摘要

比较了桉树和荷花两种天然纤维经环氧硬化剂增强后的复合材料的弯曲强度. 在模具中制备试样, 在模具中填充碱 (NaOH) 处理过的纤维, 呈十字, 双轴和单轴方向. 为了研究掺入E-玻璃纤维对复合材料力学性能的影响, 制备了一半的E-玻璃纤维试样. 所有标本均采用典型的手压法制作. 两种纤维的结果表明, 单轴排列的弯曲强度最大, 而双轴排列的弯曲强度最小. 玻璃纤维的加入提高了复合材料的弯曲强度. 此外, 用扫描电子显微镜研究了试样横截面的表面形貌.

KEYWORD:

• Lotus fiber
• eucalyptus fiber
• E-glass fiber
• composites

KEYWORD:

• 关键词: 莲花纤维
• 桉树纤维
• E-玻璃纤维
• 复合材料