Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Treated Carica Papaya Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

ABSTRACT

This investigation aimed at finding the effect of weight fraction (10 wt.%, 20 wt.% and 30 wt.%) and fiber orientation (0°, 45° and 90°) on mechanical properties (Tensile, Flexural and Impact) of Carica papaya fiber/epoxy (CPFE) composite. Totally nine composite samples were fabricated by hand layup followed by compression molding method. Testing results revealed that composites containing 20 wt.% and 0° fiber orientation exhibited better mechanical properties such as tensile strength (122 MPa), flexural strength (118.9 MPa) and impact strength (7.8 J) when compared to composite samples with other weight fraction and orientation. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used to analyze the fractured surfaces of the composite specimens. The thermal stability of CPFE composites was evaluated by the Thermo Gravimetric (TG) and Differential Thermo Gravimetric (DTG) curves. All the findings led to the conclusion that the CPFE composites are suitable material to make the light weight industrial applications.

摘要

本研究旨在探讨木瓜纤维/环氧树脂（CPFE）复合材料的重量分数（10wt%、20wt%和30wt%）和纤维取向（0°、45°、90°）对复合材料力学性能（拉伸、弯曲和冲击）的影响. 共制备了9个复合材料试件，分别采用手糊法和模压法. 测试结果表明，与其它重量分数和取向的复合材料相比，含20wt%和0° 癨纤维取向的复合材料具有更好的力学性能，如拉伸强度（122mpa）、弯曲强度（118.9MPa）和冲击强度（7.8J）. 采用扫描电镜（SEM）对复合材料试样的断口进行了分析. 用热重（TG）和差热重（DTG）曲线评价了CPFE复合材料的热稳定性. 结果表明，CPFE复合材料是一种适合于轻量化工业应用的材料.

KEYWORDS:

• Carica papaya fibers/epoxy composites
• tensile testing
• flexural testing
• impact testing
• scanning electron microscope
• thermogravimetric analysis

圓键词:

• 番木瓜纤维/环氧树脂复合材料
• 拉伸试验
• 弯曲试验
• 冲击试验
• 扫描电子显微镜
• 热重分析