STUDY OF COMPRESSION PROPERTY OF CACTUS FIBERS REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES

This study explores the use of naturally available Opuntia ficus indica (cactus) fiber as a reinforcing material in composite applications.Cactus fiber, belonging to the Cactaceae family, comprises approximately 130 genera and nearly 1500 species.The growing demand for composite materials over traditional engineering metals and alloys stems from their enhanced performance and environmental benefits.Despite its abundance, much of the cactus fiber is underutilized in engineering applications.In this research, the mechanical property (compression property) of cactus fiber reinforced with an epoxy matrix are analyzed, along with the influence of fiber volume fraction on compression strength.Composites are prepared using cactus fibers of two lengths (8 mm and 10 mm) and varying weight fractions (20%, 25%, and 30%).The fibers are treated with a 5% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 24 hours.The study investigates how fiber treatment, length, and loading affect the compression property.Results indicate that alkali-treated cactus fiber composites exhibit superior compression property compared to untreated composites.Composites reinforced with 10 mm fibers show improved mechanical behavior over those reinforced with shorter fibers.Additionally, compression property improves with increasing fiber content, with the 30% weight fraction exhibiting the best overall performance.