Mechanical and thermal properties of Acacia leucophloea fiber/epoxy composites: Influence of fiber loading and alkali treatment

ABSTRACT

In this work, the influence of fiber content and alkali treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of Acacia leucophloea fiber-reinforced epoxy composites was studied. Ten composite samples were fabricated by varying fiber content (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%); both untreated and treated fiber were soaked in a 5% NaOH solution for 45 min by using hand-layup method. The composite reinforced with 20 wt% treated fiber content exhibited better mechanical properties and thermal properties. Fourier transform infrared analysis, morphological analysis by atomic force microscope, and scanning electron microscope of composites were also performed.

KEYWORDS:

• Acacia leucophloea
• alkali treatment
• epoxy composites
• fiber loading
• mechanical properties
• natural fibers