Effect of hybridization of novel African teff and snake grass fibers reinforced epoxy composites with bio castor seed shell filler: Experimental investigation

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to fabricate novel African teff and snake grass fibers reinforced hybrid epoxy composites with bio castor seed shell powder as filler using compression molding method as a function of varying fiber weight fraction from 5 to 25 wt%. The African teff and snake grass fibers were chemically treated with 5% NaOH to enhance fiber outer surface by removing hemicellulose, lignin, wax, and oil contents. The tensile, flexural, impact, interlaminar shear strength, and hardness of the alkaline treated hybrid composites were determined as per ASTM standards to evaluate the effect of fiber weight fraction on the developed composites. The chemical bonding between the treated fiber and NaOH agents was verified through Fourier transform infrared analysis. The adhesion between the treated fiber and matrix was analyzed by using a scanning electron microscope. The results of the investigation indicated that the mechanical properties improved with the increase in African teff fiber up to 20 wt. % and deteriorated thereafter. It was also observed that the combined influence of bio castor seed shell powder along with natural fibers over the mechanical properties was higher.