Static investigation of roselle waste powder reinforced bio polymer composite

Abstract

Today the entire research community is looking for sustainable materials. In that process, more research is going on to utilize the natural materials as binders, fillers, reinforcement etc., to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties without affecting the nature. Numerous amount of research is carried out various regions of the world on the usage of pine, sisal, hemp, bagasse, jute, bamboo, coir as reinforcement. This study focuses on the utilization of agro waste like Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) as reinforcement material in epoxy LY 556 matrix along with different volume percentage of natural filler to form a unique bio based composite material. The composite specimens were fabricated by vacuum bag moulding method. The mechanical properties of the fabricated specimen at different compositions is studied. The maximum mechanical properties were observed for the composite with 30:70 volume percentage Hibiscus sabdariffa with epoxy resin added composition. From the results we can conclude the composite developed using Roselle powder and LY 556 epoxy would be very good alternate for various light weight material applications.