Fabrication and Testing of Abaca Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Automotive Applications

Fabrication and Testing of Abaca Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Automotive Applications Raja R. Niranjan Sri Sairam Engineering College S. Junaid Kokan Sri Sairam Engineering College R. Sathya Narayanan Sri Sairam Engineering College S. Rajesh Sri Sairam Engineering College V.M. Manickavasagam Sri Sairam Engineering College B. Vijaya Ramnath Sri Sairam Engineering College
The natural fibre composite materials are nowadays playing a vital role in replacing the conventional and synthetic materials for industrial applications. This paper proposes a natural fiber composite made of Abaca fibre as reinforcing agent with Epoxy resin as the matrix, manufactured using Hand Lay-up method. Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (woven rovings) are used to improve the surface finish and impart more strength and stiffness to natural fibers. In this work, the fibers are arranged in alternative layers of abaca in horizontal and vertical orientation. The mechanical properties of the composite are determined by testing the samples for tensile and flexural strength. It is observed that the tensile strength of the composite material is dependent on the strength of the natural fiber and also on the interfacial adhesion between the reinforcement and the matrix. The composite is developed for automobile dashboard/mudguard application. It may also be extended to biomedical, electronics and sports goods manufacturing. It can also be used in marine products due to excellent resistance of abaca to salt water damage since the tensile strength when it is wet.
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