Preparation and characterization of alkali treated cocos nucifera var aurantiaca peduncle fibers reinforced epoxy composites

In recent trends, the research sectors of academic and industries are now turned towards developing the bio-based products for reducing the environmental pollutions. In this way, the natural fibers are one of the good alternative resourcing materials for developing biodegradable reinforcement in polymer composites. The topography and mechanical properties of the Cocos Nucifera Var Aurantiaca Peduncle (CNVAP) fibers are investigated, through the effect of optimum level (5 wt%) of alkali (NaOH) treatment. The mechanical properties of the chemically treated and untreated fibers were estimated through single fiber tensile test. The interfacial strength between the fiber and epoxy matrix was measured by the single fiber pull-out test. These results ensure that the mechanical properties of the fibers are improved after the NaOH treatment. In addition to that, behavior of the alkali treated CNVAP fibers with different fiber lengths of (10, 20, 30 and 40 mm) and at different fiber loadings (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) into the epoxy matrix was characterized by various experiments such as tensile, flexural and impact tests. Furthermore, the morphology of the tensile, flexural and impact for the fractured composite specimens were investigated through a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). (paper)