ABSTRACT

Natural fibers derived from plants are gaining attraction for its low-cost production, excellent mechanical properties, eco-friendly nature and availability. They act as an effective replacement of synthetic materials, makes them suitable for industrial applications. In this work, natural fiber derived from the Pineapple leaf fiber (PLF) and powder derived from Prosopis Juliflora (PJP) plant as the filler was utilized as an effective reinforcement for polymer matrix composites. PLF has high cellulose content, makes it suitable for the achievement of high tensile strength, whereas the porous nature of the fiber surface enhances bonding with the polymer matrix. The low cost and wide availability of the fibers make it a suitable alternative for the harmful synthetic fibers. Semi-crystallinity of the fiber allows reduction in water absorption. The PJF belonged to gelatinous or mucilaginous type. PLF was chemically treated with NaOH to remove the wax content on the surface and to improve its mechanical properties. Composites were fabricated by using compression molding machine with 30 weight percentage (wt.%) of untreated PLF and PJP, 30 wt.% of treated PLF and PJP, 40 wt.% of treated PLF and PJP, 50 wt.% of treated PLF and PJP. The remaining wt.% attributes to the epoxy matrix addition. In the fiber wt.%, equal weights of PLF & PJP were taken. The untreated and treated fiber composite samples are tested for their tensile, impact and flexural strength. SEM images of the PLF, PJP and mechanical tested samples were analyzed. Water absorptivity test was carried out to identify the absorption level of fibers in the composite. The test results suggest that the Pineapple leaf fiber and Prosopis Julifora powder reinforced epoxy reinforced composites would be a low-weight, low cost and higher strength material appropriate for industrial applications.

摘要

源自植物的天然纤维因其低成本生产、优异的机械性能、环保性质和可用性而受到关注。它们作为合成材料的有效替代品，使其适用于工业应用。在这项工作中，源自菠萝叶纤维 (PLF) 的天然纤维和源自Prosopis Juliflora的粉末(PJP) 植物作为填料被用作聚合物基复合材料的有效增强材料。PLF 具有高纤维素含量，使其适合实现高拉伸强度，而纤维表面的多孔性质增强了与聚合物基体的结合。纤维的低成本和广泛的可用性使其成为有害合成纤维的合适替代品。纤维的半结晶性可以减少吸水率。PJF属于凝胶状或粘液状。PLF用NaOH进行化学处理以去除表面的蜡含量并改善其机械性能。复合材料是通过使用压缩成型机制造的，其中未处理的 PLF 和 PJP 为 30 wt.%，处理过的 PLF 和 PJP 为 30 wt.%，处理过的 PLF 和 PJP 为 40 wt.%，处理后的 PLF 和 PJP 为 50 wt.%。处理过的 PLF 和 PJP 的百分比。剩余的 wt.% 归因于环氧树脂基质的添加。在纤维重量百分比中，PLF 和 PJP 的重量相等。测试未处理和处理过的纤维复合材料样品的拉伸、冲击和弯曲强度。分析了 PLF、PJP 和机械测试样品的 SEM 图像。进行吸水率测试以确定复合材料中纤维的吸收水平。试验结果表明，菠萝叶纤维和 进行吸水率测试以确定复合材料中纤维的吸收水平。试验结果表明，菠萝叶纤维和 进行吸水率测试以确定复合材料中纤维的吸收水平。试验结果表明，菠萝叶纤维和Prosopis Julifora粉末增强环氧树脂增强复合材料将是一种适用于工业应用的重量轻、成本低和强度更高的材料。