Friction and wear behaviour of habara fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract The environment friendly attribute of natural fibrils is the key factor for the demand raised to solve the problems associated with synthetic fibers. This article shows the potential of Habara fibril towards potential reinforcement material with isopthalic polyester resin. Convention water-based retting is adopted for preparation and extraction of Habara fibers. Habara fibrils were etched to remove surface contaminants present in the fiber with 5 % wt/vol of NaOH solution for 1 h. The composites were fabricated using cylindrical test tubes by maintaining a volume fraction of 25/75 wt.% of habara fiber and polyester. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared characterizations revealed the increase in crystal size of 29 % between untreated and treated Habara fiber and elimination of vital amorphous substance present in Habara fibers. Tribometry study revealed an increase in wear rate of the composites at higher load of 30 N and decrease in friction coefficient. A higher wear rate of 4.79 × 10 −6 mm 3 N −1 m −1 and friction coefficient of 0.28 was recorded. The development of thermal stress accounted for decrease in friction coefficient at higher load. Further shearing action resulted in detachment of fibers from the matrix. Fiber breakage and peel off accounts for increase in wear rate at higher load conditions. The morphological analysis revealed the elimination of amorphous substance remaining in the Habara fibers.