Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

ABSTRACT

At present natural fibres are gaining tremendous importance to be used as a

reinforcement material for the preparation of polymer composites as these
natural fibres are having excellent benefits such as good strength and stiffness,
low cost, eco-friendly nature, renewable and degradable properties. Among
various available natural fibres, areca fibre is inexpensive and abundantly
available. Mechanical behaviour of areca composites was studied by few
investigators and they found to have good mechanical properties. The extracted
areca fibres from areca husk were chemically treated to get better interfacial
bonding between fibre and matrix. Composite were prepared with randomly
orientated fibres with different proportions of fibres and matrix ratio.
Mechanical tests i.e. impact and hardness tests are performed, the results
obtained shows the better interfacial adhesion between the fibre and epoxy resin
mechanical properties. The aim of this research work is to study the effect of
areca fibres in improving the mechanical properties of the processed composite
materials.

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, DSATM, Bangalore 1

Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, DSATM, Bangalore 2

Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW OF COMPOSITES

A composite is combination of two materials in which one of the materials,
called the reinforcing phase, is in the form of fibres, sheets, or particles, and is
embedded in the other materials called the matrix phase. The reinforcing
material and the matrix material can be metal, ceramic, or polymer. Composites
typically have a fibre or particle phase that is stiffer and stronger than the
continuous matrix phase and serve as the principal load carrying members. The
matrix acts as a load transfer medium between fibres, and in less ideal cases
where the loads are complex, the matrix may even have to bear loads transverse
to the fibre axis. The matrix is more ductile than the fibres and thus acts as a
source of composite toughness. The matrix also serves to protect the fibres from
environmental damage before, during and after composite processing.

When designed properly, the new combined material exhibits better

strength than would each individual material. Composites are used not only for
their structural properties, but also for electrical, thermal, tribological, and
environmental applications. Composites are multifunctional material systems
that provide characteristics not obtainable from any discrete material. They are
cohesive structures made by physically combining two or more compatible
materials, different in composition and characteristics. In the broader
significance; the combination has its own distinctive properties. In terms of
strength to resistance to heat or some other desirable quality, it is better than
either of the components alone or radically different from either of them. The
composites are compound materials which differ from alloys by the fact that the
individual components retain their characteristics but are so incorporated into

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

the composite as to take advantage only of their attributes and not of their short
comings”, in order to obtain improved materials.

Composite materials as heterogeneous materials consisting of two or more solid

phases, which are in intimate contact with each other on a microscopic scale.
They can be also considered as homogeneous materials on a microscopic scale
in the sense that any portion of it will have the same physical property. The
following are some of the reasons why composites are selected for certain
applications: High strength to weight ratio (low density high tensile strength)
High creep resistance, High tensile strength at elevated temperature, High
toughness.

1.2 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITES

1.2.1 According to the type of reinforcing material composites can

be classified as:

(1) Fibrous Composite: A fibre is characterized by its length being much

greater compared to its cross-sectional dimensions. The dimensions of the
reinforcement determine its capability of contributing its properties to the
composite. Fibres are very effective in improving the fracture resistance of the
matrix since a reinforcement having a long dimension discourages the growth of
incipient cracks normal to the reinforcement that might otherwise lead to
failure, particularly with brittle matrices. Man-made filaments or fibres of non-
polymeric materials exhibit much higher strength along their length since large
flaws, which may be present in the bulk material, are minimized because of the
small cross-sectional dimensions of the fibre. In the case of polymeric materials,
orientation of the molecular structure is responsible for high strength and
stiffness.

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

(2) Particulate Composites: In particulate composites the reinforcement is

of particle nature. It may be spherical, cubic, tetragonal, a platelet, or of other
regular or irregular shape. In general, particles are not very effective in
improving fracture resistance but they enhance the stiffness of the composite to
a limited extent. Particle fillers are widely used to improve the properties of
matrix materials such as to modify the thermal and electrical conductivities,
improve performance at elevated temperatures, reduce friction, increase wear
and abrasion resistance, improve machinability, increase surface hardness and
reduce shrinkage.

1.2.2 According to type of matrix material they are classified as:

(1) Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)

(2) Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)

(3) Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)

(1) Metal Matrix Composites: Higher strength, fracture toughness and

stiffness are offered by metal matrices. Metal matrix can withstand elevated
temperature in corrosive environment than polymer composites. Titanium,
aluminium and magnesium are the popular matrix metals currently in vogue,
which are particularly useful for aircraft applications. Because of these
attributes metal matrix composites are under consideration for wide range of
applications viz. combustion chamber nozzle (in rocket, space shuttle),
housings, tubing, cables, heat exchangers, structural members etc.

(2) Ceramic matrix Composites: One of the main objectives in producing

ceramic matrix composites is to increase the toughness. Naturally it is hoped
and indeed often found that there is a concomitant improvement in strength and
stiffness of ceramic matrix composites.

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

(3) Polymer Matrix Composites: Most commonly used matrix materials

are polymeric. In general the mechanical properties of polymers are inadequate
for many structural purposes. In particular their strength and stiffness are low
compared to metals and ceramics. These difficulties are overcome by
reinforcing other materials with polymers. Secondly the processing of polymer
matrix composites need not involve high pressure and doesn’t require high
temperature. Also equipment required for manufacturing polymer matrix
composites are simpler. For this reason polymer matrix composites developed
rapidly and soon became popular for structural applications.

Two types of polymer composites are:

(a) Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP)

(b) Particle reinforced polymer (PRP)

(a) Fibre Reinforced Polymer: Common fibre reinforced composites are

composed of fibres and a matrix. Fibres are the reinforcement and the main
source of strength while matrix glues all the fibres together in shape and
transfers stresses between the reinforcing fibres. Sometimes, filler might be
added to smooth the manufacturing process, impact special properties to the
composites, and / or reduce the product cost.

(b) Particle Reinforced Polymer: Particles used for reinforcing include

ceramics and glasses such as small mineral particles, metal particles such as
aluminium and amorphous materials, including polymers and carbon black.
Particles are used to increase the modules of the matrix and to decrease the
ductility of the matrix.

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

1.3 HYBRID COMPOSITE

Hybrid composites are more advanced composites as compared to conventional

FRP composites. Hybrids can have more than one reinforcing phase and a
single matrix phase or single reinforcing phase with multiple matrix phases or
multiple reinforcing and multiple matrix phases.

They have better flexibility as compared to other fibre reinforced composites.

Normally it contains a high modulus fibre with low modulus fibre. The high-
modulus fibre provides the stiffness and load bearing qualities, whereas the low-
modulus fibre makes the composite more damage tolerant and keeps the
material cost low. The mechanical properties of a hybrid composite can be
varied by changing volume ratio and stacking sequence of different plies.
Reference to hybrid composites most frequently relates to the kinds of fibre-
reinforced materials, usually resin-based, in which two types of fibres are
incorporated into a single matrix. The concept is a simple extension of the
composites principle of combining two or more materials so as to optimise their
value to the engineer, permitting the exploitation of their better qualities while
lessening the effects of their less desirable properties. As such, the definition is
much more restrictive than the reality. Any combination of dissimilar materials
could in fact be thought of as a hybrid

1.4 NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Natural fibres are an alternative resource to synthetic fibres as reinforcement for

polymeric materials for the manufacture of cheap, renewable and
environmentally friendly composites. Waste plastic has caused unbearable
stress to environment in recent years. Environmental awareness, new rules and
legislations are forcing industries to seek new materials which are more
environmentally friendly. Plant fibres from agricultural crops are renewable
materials which have potential for creating green products and replacing

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

synthetic materials which are currently being used such as glass fibre, carbon
fibre and plastic fibres. Among others, natural fibres (e.g., flax, jute or sisal)
reinforced materials have important significance for reduction of density in
automobile construction components due to its higher specific stiffness and
specific tensile strength. Many attempts were made by the scientists and
technologists to utilize natural fibres in the fabrication of composites. It has
been found that these natural fibre-reinforced composites possess better
electrical resistance, chemical resistance, and good thermal and acoustic
insulating properties. The increasing interest in introducing degradable,
renewable, and inexpensive reinforcement materials, which have been
environment-friendly, has stimulated the use of hard cellulose fibres. The low
cost, less weight and density makes the natural fibres an attractive alternative.
Generally acids and alkalis have been used for modifying the properties of
natural fibres like jute, coir, sisal etc. Strong alkali solutions lead to a reduction
in strength and an increase in elongation does not cause significant lowering in
strength.

In order to develop composite made from natural fibres with enhanced strength,
stiffness, durability and reliability, it is necessary to study the mechanical
behaviour of natural fibre composites. The mechanical properties of a natural
fibre-reinforced composite depend on many parameters, such as fibre strength,
modulus, fibre length, orientation, and fibre-matrix interfacial bond strength. A
strong fibre-matrix interface bond is critical for high mechanical properties of
composites. A good interfacial bond is required for effective stress transfer from
the matrix to the fibre whereby maximum utilization of the fibre strength in the
composite can be achieved.

1.4.1 ARECA FIBRE

Among all the natural fibre-reinforcing materials, areca appears to be a

promising material because it is inexpensive, abundantly available, and a very

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

high potential perennial crop. In India, areca cultivation is coming up in a large

scale with a view to attaining self-sufficiency in medicine, paint, chocolate,
chewable gutka, etc. The husk of the areca constitutes about 60–80% of the total
weight and volume of the fresh fruit. The husk fibre is composed of cellulose
with varying proportions of hemicelluloses (35–64.8%), lignin (13.0–26.0%),
pectin and protopectin. The average filament length (4 cm) of the areca husk
fibre is too short compared to other bio fibres.

Mainly two types of filaments are present – one very coarse and the other very
fine. The coarse ones are about ten times as coarse as the jute fibres and the fine
are similar to jute fibre. The fibre could be used for making value added items
like thick boards, fluffy cushions and non-woven fabrics, thermal insulators and
nonwoven fabrics. The present use of this highly cellulose material is as a fuel
in areca nut processing. Unmanaged areca husk left in the plantation causes bad
odour and other decay related problems. Therefore, an extensive planning for
the disposal of husk is required.

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

Fig 1.4.1 Areca fibre

1.5 Advantages of natural fibre reinforced composites:

 Reduction in density of products.

 Acceptable specific strength, toughness and stiffness in comparison with
glass fibre reinforced composites.
 Ease of shaping into complex shapes in a single manufacturing process.
 Lower energy consumption from fibre growing to finished composites
 The manufacturing processes are relatively safe when compared with
glass based reinforced composites.

1.6 Disadvantages of natural fibre reinforced composites:

 Fluctuation in price depending upon the global demand and production.

 Preparation of fibre is labour intensive and time consuming.
 Poor compatibility between fibres and matrix, which requires surface
treatment of fibres.

1.7 APPLICATIONS OF NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITES

The natural fiber composites can be very cost effective material for following
applications:

Building and construction industry: panels for partition and false ceiling,
partition boards, wall, floor, window and door frames, roof tiles, mobile or pre-
fabricated buildings which can be used in times of natural calamities such as
floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc.

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

Storage devices: postboxes, grain storage silos, bio-gas containers, etc.

Furniture: chair, table, shower, bath units, etc.

Electric devices: electrical appliances, pipes, etc. Everyday applications:

lampshades, suitcases, helmets, etc.

Transportation: automobiles, aircrasfts and railway coach.

1.8 Biometrical and Physical Properties of Areca Fiber

The husk of the Areca is a hard fibrous portion covering the endosperm. It
constitutes 30–45% of the entire size of the fruit. Areca husk fibers are chiefly
composed of hemicelluloses and not of cellulose. Areca fibers hold 13 to 24.6%
of lignin, 35 to 64.8% of hemicelluloses, 4.4% of ash content and left over 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. Areca fiber is highly hemi cellulosic and is much greater
than that of any other fibers. The Biometrical and Physical Properties of Areca
Fiber are given in the table 1.Coir has higher lignin content than fibers.

The unmanaged green Areca husks left in the agricultural estate show the way
to terrible odors and other decompose-linked ecological problems. Therefore
widespread preparation for the clearance of this material is necessary. The
present use of this highly hemi cellulosic material is as a boiler fuel when
satisfactorily dried. However for the use of these fibers as a reinforcing material
for composites, a study of the chemical and physical characteristics is
necessary. Usually acids and alkalis have been used for modifying the
properties of natural fibers like jute, coir etc. Strong alkali solutions show the
way to a decrease in strength and increase to in elongation does not root
significant lowering in strength.

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

Diameter Length of fiber Density

(mm) (mm) (g/cm3)
short medium long average

0.285 18-29 30-38 39-46 29-38 0.5

0.89 1.25

Table.1 Biometrical and Physical Properties of Areca Fiber

1.9 Material and method

Materials
Areca empty fruits were obtained from Madhu Farm House,Gubbi, Tumkur,
Karnataka, India. The analytical grade reagents were purchased from Qualigens
Company and used as received.

Fiber Extraction
The dried areca empty fruits were soaked in de-ionized water for about five
days. This process is called retting; allowing the fiber to be removed from the
fruit easily. The fibers were removed from the fruit and separated with a comb.
After drying in the room temperature, the fibers were combed in a carding
frame to further separate the fibers into an individual state. Then a sieve was
used to remove broken fibers and impurities. The resulting fibers were treated in
the condition (temperature 30 oC, RH 70%) for 72 h before the chemical
treatment.

Alkali treatment
Areca fibers were soaked in a stainless steel vessel containing 6% NaOH
solution at the room temperature (30 -32 oC) for 1h. The alkali treated fibers
were immersed in distilled water for 24 h to remove the residual NaOH. Final
washing was done with distilled water containing little amount of acetic acid.
Fibers were dehydrated in an oven at 70 oC for 3 h.

Composite fabrication
The composite preparation process was performed in the following order. First,
the Epoxy-556 resin of density 1.15 - 1.20 g/cm3 and the HY951 hardener were
mixed in 10:1 ratio. One half of resin was placed inside the mixing chamber for
about 1 min at 20 RPM; then fibers were added over a period of 2 min. Then,
the other half of the epoxy resin was placed inside the mixing chamber and the
mixing speed was increased to 30 RPM for 5 min. The resulting material was

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Mechanical characterisation of Natural fibres using Areca husk

compression molded at a pressure of 0.5 MPa using a Santec compression

molding press. Finally, the composites were postcured at room temperature for
15 days. The volume fractions 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% of fiber was carefully
controlled during the mixing of two ingredients. The moulds have been
prepared with dimensions of 300 mm × 300 mm × 10 mm. The equation (1) was
used in the composite fabrication where Wf is the weight of fiber (g), Wm is the
weight of matrix (g), Vf is the fiber volume fraction (%), m is the density of
matrix (g/cm3) and f is the density of fiber (g/cm3).

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