Fabrication of Manila Reinforced Composite
Abstract:
In the present scenario, composites are beginning to play a major role in day-to-day applications. Suitable properties can be imparted by selection/orientation of fibres during the manufacturing process. This work demonstrates a natural fibre composite made up of Manila as reinforcing agent with Epoxy resin as matrix enclosed between glass fibres. Glass fibres, also known as woven rovings, are used to improve the surface finish and provide better strength and rigidity to the composite. Using hand lay-up method, fibres of manila are assembled in alternate layers of vertical and horizontal orientation. The mechanical stability of the composite is determined by tensile test. The strength of the composite depends on the fibre– matrix interfacial bonding. It is seen that the composite has a homogenous distribution of fibres and this results in uniform tensile properties .Manila based composites can be used in water related applications as it exhibits high resistance against water.
1. Introduction:
Interest in natural fibre reinforced composites in recent years has increased exponentially due to their low cost and fairly adequate mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of these fibres can be suitably modified by chemical treatments and the fibre content and interfacial adhesion are major parameters in determining the mechanical properties of the composite [1]. The fibre and resin type, the volume fraction, and the methods of production of the composite play a major role in determining the impact properties of the composite [2]. The cellulosic content of the natural fibre can significantly alter the mechanical and chemical properties of the composite [3].
Experiments conducted by Khoathane et al. showed that for composites reinforced with bleached hemp fibers, there was an increase in tensile strength and Young’s modulus with increase in the amount of fibre[4]. By fabricating a Manila hemp fibre...