Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Luffa Fiber/Epoxy Composite Using B 4 C

In current scenario, the natural fibers are widely used in many engineering applications because of
its low density compared to metal matrix composites. Regarding the mechanical properties of the
natural fibers, it remains low. But the advancement of composite technology, the mechanical strength
is improved with suitable hardener and reinforcements. This paper aims to study the enhancement
of mechanical properties by the ceramic B4C addition to the recent innovative Luffa fiber/epoxy composite. The fibers are collected from local sources and extracted by means of water retting process.
The Luffa Acutangula is made into short fibers and chemically treated to remove the moisture and
the composite is manufactured by hand lay-up method. The mechanical properties are evaluated
for the Luffa/Epoxy Composite and Luffa/Epoxy/B4C Composite. The results show that the tensile strength and compressive strength of Luffa/Epoxy/B4C Composite are improved about 8.55% and 67% respectively by B4C addition and achieved the hardness of 91HRC. The fractrography analysis
is carried out for the ruptured impact strength test samples and it concludes the improved energy storage and distribution over the lattice of ceramic is the reason for improved strength.