Study on Mechanical Behavior of Bio-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite

Presently polymer matrix composites reinforced with fibers such as glass, carbon, aramid, etc. are being used more because of their favorable mechanical properties in spite of they being more expensive materials. Nowadays natural fibers such as sisal, flax, hemp, jute, coir, bamboo, banana, etc. are widely used for environmental concern on synthetic fibers. This coming generation of engineered bio-composites must provide construction materials and building products that exceed current expectations, such as lower cost, greater adaptability and reliability and lower maintenance. These engineered bio-composites are opening new markets in the field of commercial construction, automotive, aerospace and also reducing effects on the environment such as energy, air, water, and waste. In this investigation, a Cissus fiber is reinforced with Epoxy matrix and composites have been developed by compression moulding technique. The fiber percentages (15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight) were used for the preparation of composites. These natural fiber reinforced composites were then characterized by mechanical tests. The results showed increase in the tensile strength as the fiber percentage increased; however, after a certain percentage of fiber reinforcement, the tensile strength decreased. And also the maximum flexural strength and maximum impact energy absorbed was obtained for 30% of the fiber reinforced.