INTRODUCTION

1|Page
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Composites

A composite is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly
different physical or chemical properties, when combined, produce a material with
characteristics different from individual component. The composites remain separate and distinct
within the finished surface. Past few years composites have been the most dominant emerging
materials. It has been growing steadily, penetrating and conquering new markets due to its
numerous applications. Today composite materials constitute a significant proportion of the
engineered materials in market ranging from everyday products to sophisticated applications.
The main challenge is to make them cost effective and to do so many innovative manufacturing
techniques are being used by the composite industries. But innovative manufacturing techniques
aren’t enough to make it cost effective, it is also important to make sure there is an integrated
effort in design, material, process, tooling, quality assurance, manufacturing and even program
management to make composites competitive with metals.

The type of composite made in this project is polymer matrix composite based on matrix
material whereas based on reinforcing material structure it is categorized as fibrous composite.

1.2. Types Of Composite

Based on matrix material:

1. Ceramic matrix
2. Metal matrix
3. Polymer matrix

1.2.1. Ceramic Matrix

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a subgroup of composite materials. They consist of
ceramic fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix, thus forming a ceramic fiber reinforced
ceramic (CFRC) material. The matrix and fibers can consist of any ceramic material. CMC
materials were designed to overcome the major disadvantages such as low fracture
toughness, brittleness, and limited thermal shock resistance, faced by the traditional technical
ceramics.

1.2.2. Metal Matrix

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are composite materials that contain at least two
constituent parts – a metal and another material or a different metal. The metal matrix is
reinforced with the other material to improve strength and wear. Where three or more
constituent parts are present, it is called a hybrid composite. In structural applications, the
matrix is usually composed of a lighter metal such as magnesium, titanium, or aluminum. In

2|Page
 high temperature applications, cobalt and cobalt-nickel alloy matrices are common. Typical
MMC's manufacturing is basically divided into three types: solid, liquid, and vapor.
Continuous carbon, silicon carbide, or ceramic fibers are some of the materials that can be
embedded in a metallic matrix material. MMCs are fire resistant, operate in a wide range of
temperatures, do not absorb moisture, and possess better electrical and thermal conductivity.
They have also found applications to be resistant to radiation damage, and to not suffer from
out gassing. Most metals and alloys make good matrices for composite applications.

1.2.3. Polymer Matrix

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) can be divided into three sub-types, namely, thermoset,
thermoplastic, and rubber. Polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units
connected by covalent chemical bonds. PMC's consist of a polymer matrix combined with a
fibrous reinforcing dispersed phase. They are cheaper with easier fabrication methods. PMC's
are less dense than metals or ceramics, can resist atmospheric and other forms of corrosion,
and exhibit superior resistance to the conduction of electrical current. It is further classified
into two parts

i.) Fiber reinforced polymer

ii.) Particle reinforced polymer

Based on reinforcing matrix material

i. Particulate composite
ii. Fibrous composite

1.2.i. Particulate Composite

It consists of a matrix reinforced with a dispersed phase in form of particles. Effect of the
dispersed particle on the composite properties depends on the particles dimensions. Very
small particles (less than 0.25 micron in diameter) finely distributed in the matrix impede
movement of dislocations and deformation of the materials. Larger dispersed phase particles
have low strengthening effect but increases stiffness and decrease of ductility.

1.2.ii. Fibrous Composite

Dispersed phase in form of fibers (fibrous composite) improves strength, stiffness

and fracture toughness of the material, impeding crack growth in the directions normal to the
fiber. Effect of the strength increase becomes much more significant when the fibers are
arranged in a particular direction (preferred orientation) and a stress is applied along the same
direction.

3|Page
 HISTORY

4|Page
2. History

Bakelite was the first fiber-reinforced plastic. Dr. Leo Baekeland had originally set out to find a
replacement for shellac (made from the excretion of lac beetles). Chemists had begun to
recognize that many natural resins and fibers were polymers, and Baekeland investigated the
reactions of phenol and formaldehyde. He first produced soluble phenol-formaldehyde shellac
called "Novolak" that never became a market success, and then turned to developing a binder
for asbestos which, at that time, was molded with rubber. By controlling the pressure and
temperature applied to phenol and formaldehyde, he found in 1905 he could produce his
dreamed-of hard moldable material (the world's first synthetic plastic): Bakelite. He announced
his invention at a meeting of the American Chemical Society on February 5, 1909.

The development of fiber-reinforced plastic for commercial use was being extensively
researched in the 1930s. In the UK, considerable research was undertaken by pioneers such
as Norman de Bruyne. It was particularly of interest to the aviation industry.

Mass production of glass strands was discovered in 1932 when Games Slayter, a researcher
at Owens-Illinois accidentally directed a jet of compressed air at a stream of molten glass and
produced fibers. A patent for this method of producing glass wool was first applied for in
1933. Owens joined with the Corning Company in 1935 and the method was adapted by Owens
Corning to produce its patented "Fiberglas" (one "s") in 1936. Originally, Fiberglas was a glass
wool with fibers entrapping a great deal of gas, making it useful as an insulator, especially at
high temperatures.

A suitable resin for combining the "Fiberglas" with a plastic to produce a composite material was
developed in 1936 by du Pont. The first ancestor of modern polyester resins is Cyanamid's resin
of 1942. Peroxide curing systems were used by then. With the combination of fiberglass and
resin the gas content of the material was replaced by plastic. This reduced to insulation properties
to values typical of the plastic, but now for the first time the composite showed great strength
and promise as a structural and building material. Confusingly, many glass fiber composites
continued to be called "fiberglass" (as a generic name) and the name was also used for the low-
density glass wool product containing gas instead of plastic.

Ray Greene of Owens Corning is credited with producing the first composite boat in 1937, but
did not proceed further at the time due to the brittle nature of the plastic used. In 1939 Russia
was reported to have constructed a passenger boat of plastic materials, and the United States a
fuselage and wings of an aircraft. The first car to have a fiber-glass body was the 1946 Stout

5|Page
Scarab. Only one model was built. The Ford prototype of 1941 could have been the first plastic
car, but there is some uncertainty around the materials used as it was destroyed shortly
afterwards.

The first fiber-reinforced plastic plane was either the Fairchild F-46, first flown on 12 May 1937,
or the Californian built Bennett Plastic Plane. A fiberglass fuselage was used on a
modified Vultee BT-13A designated the XBT-16 based at Wright Field in late 1942. In 1943
further experiments were undertaken building structural aircraft parts from composite materials
resulting in the first plane, a Vultee BT-15, with a GFRP fuselage, designated the XBT-19, being
flown in 1944. A significant development in the tooling for GFRP components had been made
by Republic Aviation Corporation in 1943.

Carbon fiber production began in the late 1950s and was used, though not widely, in British
industry beginning in the early 1960s. Aramid fibers were being produced around this time also,
appearing first under the trade name Nomex by DuPont. Today, each of these fibers is used
widely in industry for any applications that require plastics with specific strength or elastic
qualities. Glass fibers are the most common across all industries, although carbon-fiber and
carbon-fiber-aramid composites are widely found in aerospace, automotive and sporting good
applications. These three (glass, carbon, and aramid) continue to be the important categories of
fiber used in FRP.

Global polymer production on the scale present today began in the mid 20th century, when low
material and productions costs, new production technologies and new product categories
combined to make polymer production economical. The industry finally matured in the late
1970s when world polymer production surpassed that of Steel, making polymers the ubiquitous
material that it is today. Fiber-reinforced plastics have been a significant aspect of this industry
from the beginning.

6|Page
 NATURAL FIBER
REINFORCED
MATRIX
COMPOSITE

7|Page
3. Natural Fiber Reinforced Matrix Composite

3.1. Definition

Natural fiber reinforced matrix composite is a composite building materials that consist of three
components

1. Fiber as dispersed phase (discontinuous phase).

2. Matrix phase (continuous phase).
3. Interface (the fine interface region)

This type of composite is made by combining natural occurring fibers with plastic. Fiber
Reinforced Composite (FRC) has grown rapidly in the industrial sector and fundamental
research. They are renewable, cheap and completely or partially recyclable and biodegradable.
FRC has satisfactory mechanical properties as well as easily available thus making it desirable to
use.

The fiber used in the project is collected from Areca nut (Betel nut) as shown in figure below

Areca Nut

3.2. Types of Fiber

Natural fibers used to create FRC can be classified into two types

 Plant Fiber
Plant fiber generally comprised mainly of cellulose. Example –cotton, jute, flax, ramie,
sisal and hemp. Cellulose fiber is used to manufacture paper and cloth.
 Animal Fiber

8|Page
 Animal fiber generally compromise protein. Example – mohair, wool, silk, alpaca,
angora.

Plant fiber can be further classified as shown in the below figure.

(Classification of natural fibers)

2.3. Properties

Some properties of several of natural fiber are as follows:

Table 2.1: Mechanical properties of various composite laminate

9|Page
 Figure 2.1: Compressive strength of alkalized treatment of natural fiber reinforced
laminate samples.

Figure 2.2: Tensile strength of alkanized treatment of natural fiber reinforced laminate
samples.

10 | P a g e
 Figure 2.3: Bending strength of alkanized treatment of natural fiber reinforced laminate
samples.

Figure 2.4: Impact strength of alkanized treatment of natural fiber reinforced laminate
samples.

Compressive strength of FRC varies from 16 to 43 MPa, tensile strength varies from 3 to 63
MPa, and bending strength varies from 1.3x10-3 to 0.5 MPa and impact strength varies from 7-18
J/m2

3.4. Application

Natural fiber reinforced composite has many application. Some of them are as follows:

 Building and construction: Panels for partition and false ceiling, wall, floor, windows and
door frames, roof tiles etc.
 Storage devices: grain storage silos, bio-gas container etc.

11 | P a g e
  Furniture.
 Electric devices.
 Transportation: interior of automobile, boat etc.

Further applications in automobile industry include:

 Low density: weight reduction by 10 to 30%.

 Desirable mechanical properties.
 Low wear on tools.
 High stability and less splintering.
 No off-gassing of toxic compounds.
 Low cost.

3.5. Advantages of Natural Fiber Composites

Advantages of natural fiber composite are:

 Low specific weight.

 It is a renewable resource.
 It is produce at low cost.
 Reduced wear of tooling.
 Thermal recycling is possible.
 Good insulating property

12 | P a g e
 POLYMERS

13 | P a g e
4.1. Definition

Polymer is derived from Greek word “polus” meaning many and “meros” meaning many parts. It
is a large molecule composed of many repeated sub units; because of their wide range of
properties they play an essential role in our daily life.

4.2. Types of Polymer

Polymers can be classified into three types they are thermosetting plastic, thermoplastic, rubber
and natural polymer.

4.2.1. Thermosetting Plastic

It is also known as thermoset is a prepolymer material that cures irreversibly i.e. it

toughens or hardens by heating or by using chemical additives or by suitable radiation.
These types of materials are stronger than thermoplastic due to cross-linking bonds and is
well suited for high temperature applications up to decomposition temperature. Phenolic
PF, epoxy EP, polyester SP are few examples of thermosetting plastic.

4.2.2. Thermoplastic

It is a polymer that is pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies

upon cooling. Most thermoplastic have high molecular weight. Above its glass transition
temperature and below its melting point, the physical properties of a thermoplastic
changes rapidly without undergoing any phase change. Polypropylene, polyamide,
polyethylene are some examples of thermoplastic.

4.2.3. Rubber and Natural Polymer

It consists of polymer of organic compound isoprene, with other impurities and water.
Natural rubbers are classified as elastomers. It is used in the manufacture of rubber
products. Some examples of this are Indian-rubber, modified starch, tannin etc.

4.3. Thermosetting Polymer Application

It has found application in wide variety of fields

 Making electronic chips.

 Fiber reinforced compounds
 Spectacle lenses
 Dental filling

14 | P a g e
PROJECT DETAILS

15 | P a g e
5. Natural Areca Fiber

Among all the natural fiber-reinforcing materials, areca appears to be a promising material
because it is inexpensive, availability is abundant and a very high potential perennial crop. It
belongs to the species Areca catechu, under the family palmecea and originated in the Malaya
peninsular, East India.

Among all the natural fiber-reinforcing materials, areca appears to be a promising material
because it is an expensive, availability is abundant and a very high potential perennial crop. It
belongs to the species Areca catechu L., under the family palmecea and originated in the Malaya
peninsular, East India. Major industrial cultivation is in East India and other countries in Asia. In
India, areca nut cultivation is coming up on a large scale basis with a view to attaining self
sufficiency in medicine, paint, chocolate, Gutka, etc. It is estimated that about 6
Lakh tonnes of areca husk is available in south West-India [3]. The husk of the Areca is a hard
fibrous portion covering the endosperm. It constitutes 30–45% of the total volume of the fruit.
Areca husk fibers are predominantly composed of hemicelluloses and not of cellulose.

In Table 1 the chemical composition of Areca fibers is shown along with few known fibers.
Areca fibers contain 13 to 24.6% of lignin, 35 to 64.8% of hemicelluloses, 4.4% of ash content
and remaining 8 to 25% of water content. The fibers adjoining the inner layer are irregularly
lignified group of cells called hard fibers and the portions of the middle layer contain soft fibers.
Compare the chemical composition of Areca fiber with some other important natural fibers.
Areca fiber is highly hemicellulosic and is much greater than that of any other fibers. Coir has
higher lignin content than fibers. And sisal fiber has higher cellulosic content compared to
Banana, sisal, and other fibers. Lignin and hemicelluloses in maize stalk fibers are considerable
to cellulose with areca fibers. Properties of natural fibers depend mainly on the nature of the
plant, locality in which it has grown, age of the plant, and fiber extraction method used. Areca
fibers are hard and show similarity to coir fibers in cellular structure. The unmanaged green
Areca husks left in the plantation lead to bad odors and other decay-related environmental
problems. Therefore extensive planning for the disposal of this material is required. The present
use of this highly hemicellulosic material is as a boiler fuel when sufficiently dried. However for

16 | P a g e
the use of these fibers as a reinforcing material for composites, a study of the chemical and
physical characteristic is required.

Generally acids and alkalis have been used for modifying the properties of natural fibers
like jute, coir etc. Strong alkali solutions lead to a reduction in strength and an increase in
elongation does not cause significant lowering in strength. Coir fibers were subjected to alkali
treatment for coir–polyster composites by Prasad et al. [4] and it was found that flexural strength,
modulus, and impact strength of composites containing alkali-treated fibers were higher than
those containing the same volume fractions of untreated fibers. Combined alkali treatment and
irradiation of jute can also be achieved by treatment of the fibers with 2% sulfuric acid solution
followed by alkali of mercerizing strength. A. K. Mohanty etal [5] studied the chemical surface
modifications of jute fabrics involving bleaching, dewaxing, alkali treatment, cyanoethylation
and vinyl grafting are made in view of their use as reinforcing agents in composites based on a
biodegradable polyester amide matrix. The effect of different fibre surface treatments and
fabric amounts on the performance of resulting composites are investigated. The mechanical
properties of composites like tensile and bending strengths increase as a result of surface
modification. It has been reported earlier about the possibilities of using Areca fibers as a
potential reinforcement in Phenol Formaldehyde or Urea Formaldehyde resin [2]. And the
mechanical performance of phenol formaldehyde resin can be greatly improved by the
incorporation of these fibers. G. Kalaprasad [6] studied the chemical surface modifications such
as alkali, acetic anhydride, stearic acid, permanganate, maleic anhydride, silane and peroxides
given to the sisal fibers. Fibers and matrix were found to be successful in improving the
interfacial adhesion and compatibility between the fibre and matrix. The nature and extent of
chemical modifications were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy while improvement in fibre-
matrix adhesion was checked by studying the fractography of composite samples using a
scanning electron microscope. Assessment of water retention values has been found to be a
successful tool to characterize the surface of the stearic acid modified fibers. Many scientists
have attempted to increase the tensile strength and surface characteristics of natural fibers in the
preparation of natural fiber composites. In the present work, areca and maize stalk fibers were
treated with alkali and their effects were studied and presented.

17 | P a g e
5.1. Type of Fiber Reinforced Composite:

The type of fiber reinforced composite (FRC) is ‘polymer matrix’ based on matrix material
whereas it is ‘fibrous composite’ based on reinforcing material structure.

5.2. Materials Required

 Areca nut (betel nut) fiber

 Araldite epoxy and hardener
 Sodium Hydroxide
 Benzoyl Chloride
 Acetic acid
 Ethanol
 Sulphuric acid
 Releasing gel
 Brush and roller

5.3. Fiber Preparation

The fiber was soaked in water for about 5 days. The soaking process loosens the fibers and the
fibers are extracted out easily. The fiber separation was done manually then was cleaned in
running water to remove any impurities. It was dried at room temperature for 10 days and was
oven dried at 100℃ for 8 hours. During the drying period it was made sure that no fungi
grow on the surface. From figure areca fiber can be approximated as cylindrical shape with
an average length of 39mm and with an average diameter of 0.347mm and giving aspect
ratio, L/D of 112.39. After the fibers have dried they were cut equally to get 1 cm length.

18 | P a g e
5.4. Treatment of Fiber

The fiber underwent various chemical treatments. Some of them are as follows:

 Alkali treatment
 Acetylation
 Benzoylation

5.4.1. Alkali Treatment

Alkaline treatment or mercerization is one of the most used chemical treatments of natural fibers
when used to reinforce thermoplastics and thermosets. The important modification done by
alkaline treatment is the disruption of hydrogen bonding in the network structure, thereby
increasing surface roughness. This treatment removes a certain amount of lignin, wax and oils
covering the external surface of the fiber cell wall, depolymerizes cellulose and exposes the short
length crystallites. Addition of aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to natural fiber promotes the
ionization of the hydroxyl group to the alkoxide.

Thus, alkaline processing directly influences the cellulosic fibril, the degree of polymerization
and the extraction of lignin and hemicellulosic compounds. It is reported that alkaline treatment
has two effects on the fiber:

 It increases surface roughness resulting in better mechanical interlocking

 It increases the amount of cellulose exposed on the fiber surface, thus increasing the
number of possible reaction sites.

Consequently, alkaline treatment has a lasting effect on the mechanical behavior of fiber,
especially on fiber strength and stiffness.

Procedure:

For alkali treatment, the fibers were soaked in a 5% NaOH solution at room temperature.
The fibers were kept immersed in the alkali solution for 24hrs. The fibers were then
washed several times with fresh water to remove any NaOH sticking to the fiber surface;
the fiber was neutralized with dilute acetic acid and finally washed again with distilled
water. A final pH of 7 was maintained. The fibers were then dried at room temperature
for 24 hrs followed by oven drying at 100°C for 6hrs. The alkali reaction between fiber
and NaOH is as given below.

Fiber – OH + NaOH → Fiber – O – Na +H2O

5.4.2. Acetylation

Acetylation describes a reaction introducing an acetyl functional group (CH3COO–) into an

organic compound. Acetylation of natural fibers is a well-known esterification method causing

19 | P a g e
plasticization of cellulosic fibers. The reaction involves the generation of acetic acid
(CH3COOH) as by-product which must be removed from the lignocellulosic material before the
fiber is used. Chemical modification with acetic anhydride (CH3-C(=O)-O-C(=O)-CH3)
substitutes the polymer hydroxyl groups of the cell wall with acetyl groups, modifying the
properties of these polymers so that they become hydrophobic. The reaction of acetic anhydride
with fiber is shown as:

Fiber – OH + CH3–C (=O)–O–C (=O)–CH3 → Fiber–OCOCH3 +CH3COOH

Procedure:

The fiber was soaked in 5% NaOH solution for 1 hr and was cleaned to with fresh water
to remove any NaOH sticking to the fiber. The fiber was again soaked in 0.5% acetic acid
for 1 hr and was again cleaned. Then was soaked in 1% H2SO4 solution for 5 minutes and
cleaned in running water and was dried at room temperature for 12 hrs.

5.4.3. Benzoylation

Benzoylation is an important transformation in organic synthesis [100]. Benzoyl

chloride is most often used in fiber treatment. Benzoyl chloride includes benzoyl
(C6H5C=O) which is attributed to the decreased hydrophilic nature of the treated fiber and
improved interaction with the hydrophobic polymer matrix. The reaction between the
cellulosic hydroxyl group of the fiber and benzoyl chloride is given as follows:

Benzoylation of fiber improves fiber matrix adhesion, thereby considerably increasing the
strength of composite, decreasing its water absorption and improving its thermal stability.

Procedure:

Pre-treated fiber was suspended in 10% NaOH solution and agitated with benzoyl
chloride the mixture was kept for 15 min, filtered, washed thoroughly with water and
dried. The fibers were then soaked in ethanol for 1 hr to remove benzoyl chloride and
finally were washed with water and again dried.

20 | P a g e
 Areca fiber after chemical treatment

5.5. Laminate Preparation

5.5.1. Epoxy Resin Preparation

The epoxy resin used in the preparation of the laminate is Araldite AW106 HV 953U which
chemically belong to epoxide family. Its chemical name is N(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1, 3 –
propylenediamine. The Araldite AW106 is white in color whereas the hardener HV953U is light
yellow in color.

The epoxy and hardener was mixed in the ratio of 3:1 by weight i.e. 3gm epoxy 1 gm hardener.
While mixing precautions were taken to ensure no bubbles were formed. If bubbles were formed
they were removed by lightly blowing air on them with the help of straw.

21 | P a g e
5.5.2. Hand Layup Method

Description:

The hand lay-up is the oldest, (simplest but most widely used) fabrication process for the
composite materials. Essentially, it involves manual placement of dry fiber in the mold or
mandrel and succeeding application of resin matrix. The wet composite is then rolled using hand
rollers to facilitate uniform resin distribution, to ensure better interaction between the
reinforcement and the matrix and to achieve the required thickness (Mallick 1993). The layered
structure is then cured. In general, the hand layup fabrication process is divided into four
essential steps: mold preparation, gel coating, lay-up, and curing. Recently, partial automation of
the hand lay-up was achieved by spray-up process, in which the application method of the resin
matrix was slightly different from hand lay-up. The most expensive piece of equipment typically
is a spray gun for resin and gel coat application. Some fabricators pour or brush the resin into the
molds so that a spray gun is not required for this step. There is virtually no limit to the size of the
part that can be made.

Procedure:

1. Fiber mats of areca fiber were prepared according to the required dimension of laminate.

2. Release gel was applied on a mold.

3. A coat of epoxy resin was applied, by the help of brush, on the surface of the mold.

4. Fiber mat was laid over the epoxy layer

5. Another layer of epoxy was applied over the fiber

6. Roller was used to apply pressure to maintain equal distribution of fiber and resin.

22 | P a g e
 7. Steps 4-6 was repeated for next layer of fiber.

8. A sheet of plastic coated with release gel was laid over the fiber to achieve better surface
finish.

9. A pressure was applied on the laminate to remove the extra resin and to maintain the
desired thickness.

10. It was dried at room temperature for 48 hours.

Main Advantages:

 Widely used for many years.

 Simple principles to teach.
 Low cost tooling, if room-temperature cure resins are used.
 Wide choice of suppliers and material types.
 Higher fiber contents and longer fibers than with spray lay-up.

23 | P a g e
5.6. Testing Phase

the fiber underwent two different tests to determine: tensile strength for max load and izod
impact test. The test methods used were ASTM D 638 (for tensile strength for max load) and
ASTMD 256 (for izod impact test).

5.6.1. ASTM D 638

To determine max tensile strength of areca fiber laminate test method ASTM D 638 was done.
The machine used for this test was 3382 floor model Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
manufactured by Instron, UK. The machine is ideal for tension and/or compression applications
for tests up 100 KN.

Specification:

 Load shell capacity- 100N, 1 KN, 100 KN

 Max speed-500mm/min
 1323 mm (51.3 in) vertical test space
 100:1 force range (i.e. use the load cell to 1.0% of its capacity with no loss of
accuracy)
 Load accuracy of 0.5% of indicated load

3382 model Universal Testing Machine

24 | P a g e
5.6.2. ASTMD 256

For Izod impact test of areca fiber laminate test method ASTMD 256 was done. The machine
used for this test was IT 504 plastic impact Izod & Charpy Impactometer with notch cutter
manufactured by Tinius Olsen, USA. This machine is capable of determining the impact
resistance using either a Charpy or Izod configuration, without changing the entire pendulum.

Specification:

 Potential energy: 0.5J-25J

 basic pendulum capacity: 2.82J
 drop height: 0.61m
 impact velocity: 3.46 m/s

IT 504 plastic impact Izod & Charpy Impactometer

25 | P a g e
5.7. Test Results

5.7.1. Particulars of Sample

a) Nature of sample : Plastic samples

b) Grade/Variety/Type/Size/Class etc : Natural Fiber Reinforced Laminate
c) Brand name, if any : Nil
d) Declared values : Nil
e) Quantity : 1Pc
f) Mode of Packing : Nil

5.7.2. Results

Sl. No. Test Test Method Unit Result Obtained

Tensile strength at
1 maximum load ASTM D 638 MPa 22.30
(Speed=2.00 mm/min)

Izod impact test

2 ASTMD - 256 J/m 10.76
(Hammer= 15 J)

26 | P a g e
 Final product

27 | P a g e
 APPLICATION

28 | P a g e
6.1. Application

Natural fiber reinforced composite has many application. Some of them are as follows:

 Building and construction: Panels for partition and false ceiling, wall, floor, windows and
door frames, roof tiles etc.
 Storage devices: grain storage silos, bio-gas container etc.
 Furniture.
 Electric devices.
 Transportation: interior of automobile, boat etc.

Further applications in automobile industry include:

 Low density: weight reduction by 10 to 30%.

 Desirable mechanical properties.
 Low wear on tools.
 High stability and less splintering.
 No off-gassing of toxic compounds.
 Low cost.

29 | P a g e
 FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT

30 | P a g e
7. Future Development

 There exist many different types of fiber to create a new laminate.

 Hybrid Laminates can be prepared.

 Different permutation and combination of fibers in different ratios can provide a better
laminate.

 It can most likely be used to prepare everyday materials

31 | P a g e
 REFERENCE

32 | P a g e
 1. G.C.Mohankumar, Natural Areca Fibers and their Composites, Workshop on Natural
Fiber Composites, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India, 2002.

2. Prasad, S.V., Pavithran, C. and Rohatgi, P.K. Alkali Treatment of Coir Fibres for Coir-
Polyester Composites, J. Mat. Sci., 18: 1443-1454, 1983. A. K. Mohanty, M. A. Khan
and G. Hinrichsen

3. Influence of chemical surface modification on the properties of biodegradable jute fabrics

polyester amide composites, Composites Part A: Applied Science & Manuf., Volume
31,Issue 2, Pg 143-150, February 2000.

4. G. Manovendra, G.C.Mohankumar and S.Kumarapaa, Study of Mechanical properties of

areca and glass fibers reinforced phenol formaldehyde composite, International
Conference on Frontiers in Design & Manufacturing Engineering, Karunya University,
Coimbatore, Feb. 2008.

5. Bledzki AK, Gassan J. Composites reinforced with cellulose based.bres. Prog Polym Sci
1999;24:221–74.

6. Mwaikambo LY, Ansell MP. Chemical modi.cation of hemp, sisal, jute,and kapok .bers
by alkalisation. J Appl Polym Sci 2002;84(12):2222–34.

7. Wang wei, Huang Gu, Characterization and utilization of natural coconut fibers
composites, journal of Materials and Design(2008).

8. Sinha, R. (2000) Outlines of Polymer Technology. Prentice-Hall by India Private Ltd.

New Delhi-10001.

9. Strong, A.B. (1989) Fundamentals of composites manufacturing: materials,methods, and

applications. Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, MI.

10. SP Guide to Composites www.spsystems.com

11. E. Osman, A. Vakhguelt, I. Sbarski; S. Mutasher, (2011) Mechanical Properties of Kenaf

-Unsaturated Polyester Composites: Effect of Fiber Treatment and Fiber Length, Journal
of Advanced Materials Research. Vols. 311-313, pp 260-271.

33 | P a g e