ABSTRACT
This article reports a systematic study of the effects of two different kinds of cotton fibers on properties of composites. Both cotton fibers exhibit similar mechanical properties. However, they vary in fineness and maturity. The intention of this study is to investigate the influence of these fiber properties on the characteristics of composites.
In the present work composites with a thermosetting epoxy matrix with fiber mass proportions of 0 to 60% were produced by compression molding and tested for stiffness and impact strength.
Contrary to expectations, the best mechanical values could be obtained from the composites with coarser fibers. This phenomenon was ascribed to the lower maturity and higher feasibility of nep formation of the finer fibers.