Mechanical, wear and thermal properties of natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composite: cotton, sisal, coir and wool fibers

Abstract

Natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (NFRCs) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential as environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. These composites combine natural fibers, derived from plants, with epoxy resins to create a material with enhanced properties. The objective of this study is to investigate the mechanical, wear and thermal properties of NFRCs incorporating cotton, sisal, coir and wool fibers. The vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique was employed to produce composite plates, followed by conducting tests on tensile, wear and thermal properties. The cotton composite showcased the highest tensile strength, reaching 52.81 MPa, while the coir composite exhibited the lowest, measuring 15.34 MPa. Sisal composite exhibited a moderate wear rate (1.423 mm3/Nm) and a lower coefficient of friction (0.233), implying smoother relative motion. Coir composite presented the highest wear rate (4.615 mm3/Nm), attributed to its coarse fiber nature. Thermal conductivity is highest at cotton composite (1.017 W/mK) and is lowest at coir composite (0.187 W/mK). Additionally, the highest specific heat was observed in the coir composite (26.313 MJ/m3K). Cotton demonstrated potential for efficient heat transfer, while wool outperformed in insulation. Sisal displayed versatility for structural applications. Coir emerged as an effective insulator with energy-saving applications.