Characteristics on Mechanical Possessions of Coconut Fibre Protected with Epoxy and Polyester Mixtures

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites play a predominant role for a longer time in a wide variety of applications for their high specific strength and modulus. The fibre which serves as reinforcement in reinforced polymer is in the form of natural fibres. Natural fibres are not only strong and lightweight but it also relatively very low cost. The present work deals with comparison on the development and characterization of reinforcing the matrix (Epoxy resin & Polyester resin) with natural fibre (Coconut fibre). The natural fibres were exposed to chemical treatment (NaOH) before manufacturing of laminates and the pretreated fibres are tested and the fibres were chopped into 3mm, 5mm, 7mm and 10mm before reinforcement. Samples of Coconut-Epoxy and Coconut Polyester laminate were manufactured using hand layup method were the fibers are dispersed randomly. Specimens were cut from the fabricated and laminate according to the ASTM standard for different experiments. Tensile test, flexural test, and Impact test samples were cut in the desired shape and its results were observed, compared with epoxy and polyester composites to perceive the properties of composites.