Effect of fiber length and loading on the properties of Schumannianthus dichotomus (murta) fiber–reinforced epoxy composites

ABSTRACT

The present work was aimed at preparing composite materials using epoxy matrix and murta fibers of varying lengths and weight percentages. The composites were analyzed on the basis of density, thermal gravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, tensile strength, flexural strength, Izod impact strength, and Rockwell hardness studies. Twenty-five weight percent of randomly oriented fibers of 25 mm length rendered the best mechanical properties to the composite. The tensile strength of the composite was analyzed using the Hirsch model. The characterization of the composite reveals that murta fiber is a good candidate for polymer reinforcement.

KEYWORDS:

• Composites
• flexural strength
• impact strength
• murta fiber
• tensile strength
• thermal stability

Acknowledgment

The authors are thankful to the Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India for providing instrumental facilities to test the composite samples.