Effect of Fiber Length and Naoh Treatment on the Flexural Behavior of Coir Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates the influence of fiber length and fiber surface modification on the flexural properties of coir fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The fiber lengths and concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for fiber treatment are the considered parameters for the investigation. The test specimens were fabricated by hand lay-up technique. The study reveals that NaOH concentration in the fiber treatment played a significant role in the flexural strength of coir fiber reinforced epoxy composites. However, an increase in NaOH concentration above 4% reduces the flexural strength. It was also found that the increase in fiber length was linearly proportionate to the flexural strength. The fiber surface morphology and the fractured surface of the composites were explored by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images.

摘要

本文研究了纤维长度和纤维表面改性对椰壳纤维增强环氧复合材料弯曲性能的影响. 纤维长度和用于纤维处理的氢氧化钠(NaOH)溶液浓度是本研究考虑的参数. 试样采用手工叠层技术制作. 研究表明,纤维处理中的NaOH浓度对椰壳纤维增强环氧复合材料的弯曲强度有显著影响. 然而,NaOH浓度增加到4%以上会降低弯曲强度. 还发现,纤维长度的增加与弯曲强度成线性比例. 通过扫描电子显微镜(SEM)观察了复合材料的纤维表面形貌和断裂表面.

KEYWORDS:

• Coir fiber
• epoxy matrix
• fiber length
• flexural strength
• sodium hydroxide
• surface treatments

关键词:

• 椰子纤维
• 环氧树脂基体
• 纤维长度
• 抗弯强度
• 氢氧化钠
• 表面处理

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).