Investigation on the Mechanical Behavior of Salt Water Immersed Hemp Fibre Reinforced Bio-Composites

The objective of this research is to develop composites by combining irregular-type plain-derived hemp and epoxy treated with alkali cum silane (HEAS). By varying the fiber weight fractions using the compression moulding technique, four distinct grades of these composites were produced: 0, 20, 40, and 60 wt. %. In line with ASTM standards, the HEAS specimens are immersed in salt water for 21 days to assess the impact on their mechanical properties, both static and dynamic. The IFSS of epoxy and hemp fibre materials were determined utilizing a micro- droplet bonding test. The results of the experimental investigations demonstrated that hemp/epoxy composites immersed in saline water exhibited a significant reduction in tensile strength (TS) (28.12 %) and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) (23.76 %). Glass transition temperatures (Tg) of HEAS composites were found to be affected by moisture absorption, according to the DMA investigation. Consequently, the Tg value was lower in the salt water absorbed (SWA) composites when contrasted with the dry alloys.