Study of Mechanical and Chemical Properties of Biodegradable Fibers before and After Alkali Treatment

Fiber reinforced composites offer varied advantages in various applications. Today fiber composites aeronautically used in such diverse applications as automobiles, aircraft, space vehicles, offshore structures, containers and piping, sporting goods, electronics, and appliances. In this work, Bamboo, Jute and Grass fibers reinforced with polyester composite specimen pieces are prepared separately. Their Tensile, Flexural properties are determined using Universal Testing Machine ( UTM ), Chemical resistances are studied and compared and Scanning Electron Microscope ( SEM ) analysis is carried out. It is observed that flexural strength of the reinforced composites increases with bamboo fiber content. Through SEM analysis, the interfacial bonding between bamboo, jute, grass fibers and the matrix- polyester, is studied. The chemical resistance of Bamboo, jute and grass fiber reinforced with polyester composites to acetic acid, Nitric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium carbonate, Benzene, Toluene, Carbon tetrachloride and Water is studied. These results have demonstrated a new approach to use natural materials to enhance the mechanical performances of composites.