Effect of Loading of Kapok Fiber with Epoxy on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Its Composites

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt has been made to fabricate kapok fiber-reinforced epoxy composites using the hand lay-up method at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 wt % fiber loading. Subsequently, the electrical and mechanical properties of the composites are characterized. It is observed that the mechanical and electrical properties of the composite significantly increase upon the incorporation of kapok fiber with the epoxy matrix. Particularly at 5 wt % loading of the fiber, the optimum properties of the composites were observed. A field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) investigation was carried out to observe the fracture behavior of the composites at the interface. 5% kapok fiber reinforced composite has better adhesion and the least fiber pull-out at the interface during mechanical loading. Additionally, it was observed that the dielectric constant of the composite increases with the increase in fiber content and simultaneously, decreases with an increase in frequency.