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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Effect of Barium Sulphate on Mechanical Properties of Woven Aloe Vera/Flax Reinforced Epoxy Composites

  1. Arul Murugan M. Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.A. Engineering college, Chennai
  2. Boopathy G. Department of Aeronautical Engineering Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R& D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
  3. Sundharesan R. Department of Aeronautical Engineering, J.J. College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirappalli
  4. Booma Devi Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tiruvanthapuram

Abstract

Natural fiber-reinforced composites are becoming popular because of their lightweight, eco-friendly, and sustainable nature. Nevertheless, single-fiber composites tend to exhibit poor mechanical performance. This research paper has created a hybrid composite bonded with woven Aloe vera and flax reinforced with an epoxy bond. Barium sulphate (BaSO4) filler was added to further improve the properties. The fibers were subjected to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to enhance bonding with the matrix and the composites were made through the hand lay-up process. Mechanical properties studied include tensile, flexural, compressive strength, impact energy and hardness. Its findings indicate that tensile, flexural and compressive strength enhance effectively with the addition of BaSO4 filler because of the improved transfer of stress and minimized voids. Impact energy and hardness however had minor variations. Analysis of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) established better bonding of fibers with the matrix and fewer defects in filled composites than unfilled composites. the developed Aloe vera/flax hybrid composite with filler of BaSO4 is shown to have a stronger mechanical performance and has possible applications in lightweight and sustainable engineering sectors like automotive and construction.

Keywords

References (29)

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