Investigation on the Mechanical and Morphological behavior of Vetiver Fiber-reinforced Epoxy Composites with Nano-alumina Particles

Light materials including fiber-reinforced polymer matrix are ideally suited to meet the contemporary demands for low-density materials with good mechanical strength. This initiative resulted in multiple studies aimed at integrating lignocellulosic natural fibers into polymer matrix. This work proposed the utilization of vetiver fibers (VF) (Chrysopogon zizanioides) as the reinforcement in epoxy composite integrated with nano alumina (nAl2O3) particles. Their mechanical properties were characterized by tensile, compression, flexural, and impact tests. Morphological investigations of VF-reinforced composite were performed to study fracture surfaces post-testing. Findings revealed a notable disparity upon the integration of nAl2O3 into the epoxy matrix. The impact tests showed superior performance in specimen with nanocomposite compared to the control group, with a mean value of 118 +/- 2.9 J. Most mechanical properties in composites showed statistically significant improvements as confirmed by Tukey's test. SEM micrographs showed a significant reduction in agglomerations of nAl2O3 reinforcement and interface delamination, suggesting enhanced interface strength.