Enhancing Mechanical Properties with Water Hyacinth Fiber-Reinforced Bio-Based Epoxy Composites

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine how the size and quantity of water hyacinth (WH) fibers impact their reinforcement of bio-based epoxy resin, with a specific focus on how these factors influence mechanical properties. The study involves utilizing specimens containing WH fiber particle sizes of 100 µm and 500 µm, combined with varying proportions of 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume. The application of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a chemical treatment for the fibers enhances the mechanical characteristics of the composite. The results indicate that the tensile modulus of 30WH100 exceeds that of neat epoxy by roughly 17.6%. Noteworthy is the hardness value of 10WH100 at 99.73 HRL, compared to the value of 99.98 HRL seen in neat epoxy. This implies minor differences in hardness properties across the obtained results.