Mechanical properties of cellulose-filled epoxy hybrid composites reinforced with alkali-treated hemp fiber

Abstract

There is a limit for deforestation in order to keep the environmental cycle undisturbed. The heart of the paper is to replace the wood to a maximum extent to obtain a sustainable environment. This research aims at new natural composites in which treated hemp fiber used as reinforcement, synthetic cellulose used as particulate to improve the adhesion between matrix - fiber interface and Epoxy LY556 acted as matrix fabricated by hand layup technique. The density, water absorption, tensile properties, impact strength, hardness, flexural properties and compressive properties have been evaluated under ASTM standards and compare the results with existing materials such as wood, aluminium, etc., The composite hemp fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP) could be exploited as an effective replacement for wood and it would be suitable for automotive applications by comparing results.