Preparation and characterization of human hair-reinforced epoxy

Natural fiber reinforced composite has been made of human hair and epoxy with a weight fraction of 10% of fibers. Hand lay-up technique was used as a casting method and epoxy was mixed with hardener in a ratio of 2:1 respectively. A comparative study was carried out between unreinforced (neat) casting and hair-reinforced casting. Mechanical properties (bending behavior, compressive strength, impact strength), water uptake and fractography have been conducted thereafter. The results showed an increase in modulus of elasticity, impact strength and compressive strength of the composite to approximately 15%, 35%, and 35% respectively, compared to unreinforced epoxy. Also a gradual decrease in the same properties around 20% occurred, due to immersion in water. The composite has absorbed a higher amount of water than the unreinforced epoxy, and the latter kept gaining weight at the time the composite reached saturation earlier. Scanning electron microscopy was used to get pictures to show the morphology of the specimens. (paper)