Investigations on the Effects of Chemical Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Thespesia Lampas Fiber Reinforced Composites for Automobile Applications

Abstract

In today's world, there is an increasing emphasis on the responsible use of fiber reinforced materials in the automobile applications, construction of buildings, machinery, and appliances as these materials are effectively reused, recycled, or disposed with minimum impact on the environment. As such, it has become mandatory to incorporate sustainable, environmental friendly and green concepts in the development of new materials and processes. The primary objective of this study is to manufacture composites using fibers obtained from Thespesia Lampas plants, which are known for their soft, long fibers that are commonly used in various domestic products. The composites are made by combining these fibers with a general purpose polyisocyanurate resin, and their potential applications in both domestic and commercial products are explored. To evaluate the properties of these composites, tests are conducted for tensile strength, flexure, and water absorption. The laminates are fabricated using both unidirectional and cross woven mats to assess its effect on the properties. In addition, the impact of NaOH treatment at different proportions on the properties of the fiber composites is also investigated. The laminates are fabricated using both unidirectional and cross woven mats to assess its effect on the properties. In addition, the impact of NaOH treatment at different proportions on the properties of the fiber composites is also investigated. The flexural strength of unidirectional treated (4% NaOH) fiber composites was found to be 216.75 MPa. Thespesia Lampas treated (4% NaOH) has a higher ultimate tensile strength of 27.85 MPa. Cross woven laminates have superior water absorption resistance than treated (4% NaOH) unidirectional fiber composite.