Flexural modulus of epoxy composite reinforced with Arecanut husk fibre (AHF): A mechanics approach

Abstract

Arecanut Husk Fibre (AHF) is an agricultural waste material. Polymer composites prepared with AHF as reinforcing material avoids dumping of arecanut husk onto bare land. AHF contributes to the development of innovative products having low environmental impact. These polymer composites are cost-effective and have low-density. Composites manufactured using polymers and natural fibre are widely used in aerospace, automobile, construction and marine structural applications. AHF was extracted by chemical retting process using 6% sodium hydroxide solution. The present research focuses on composite panel preparation using epoxy reinforced with treated AHF (15% by weight of composite) and flexural characterization of the composite. Composites were made with three-layered arrangement of AHF threads. In the current study, flexural modulus of AHF composite panels is determined by conducting dynamic flexural tests with fixed-fixed support condition and at different loading frequencies. The flexural modulus of the composite material is calculated using Euler-Bernoulli bending theory and results are compared with existing literature. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.