Mechanical Characterization of FRBC prepared from Coir Fibres

Abstract

This experimental study demonstrates the consequences of orientation of fibers in fibre reinforced biocomposite materials (FRBC) and its impact on their mechanical behaviour. Various samples of FRBC were synthesized from coir rope using hand layup method and epoxy resin in which orientation of coir rope was varied at 0°, 45° and 90° respectively. Test results reveal enhancements in tensile strength while reduction in flexural rigidity for all the samples of prepared composite in comparison to samples of pure epoxy material. The mechanical behavior of FRBCs is sensitive to the orientation angle of coir fiber in the matrix. The results show improved tensile strength for FE-90 samples by about 28%, but the flexural rigidity declined by about 59% as compared to E-samples. The minimum decline in flexural rigidity is about 16% for FE-00 samples while tensile strength enhanced by about 11% approx. It is concluded that, FRBCs prepared from coir fibres with hand layup method, are light weight and possess improved strength therefore, they are suitable for structural and reinforcement purpose.