Fabrication and characterization of moonj fibre-reinforced epoxy-based composites: Tensile, flexural, hardness, and microstructural behaviours

Natural fibres are rapidly being explored as possible alternatives for synthetic fibres like glass and carbon due to their better mechanical properties, affordability, high specific strength, and biodegradability. The primary drawbacks of natural fibres are poor fibre matrix adhesion and moisture absorption and it’s reduced by a suitable chemical treatment process. In the present investigation Moonj fibre is chemically treated using 1%, 2%, and 3% NaOH for 8 h to achieve the optimum outcomes. Moonj fibre reinforced epoxy resin composites were developed using a hand lay-up methodology by varying moonj fibre percentage of 20%, 30%, and 40%. This was done to examine how the concentrations of alkali treatment and fibre contents affect the materials mechanical and morphological characteristics. Findings shows that fibre treated with 3% NaOH have better tensile strength (279 MPa) than the other concentration. Outcomes from tensile test of treated moonj fibre reinforced epoxy composites reveals that the composite contain moonj fibre of 40% have good tensile strength of 32.84 MPa. excellent flexural strength (82.5 MPa) and considerable hardness value (68.72 HV) as well as strong interfacial bonding between fibre and epoxy. A scanning electron microscope is used to assess the surface topography, texture, and effects of tensile fracture on the composite material’s surface. Automotive dashboard and lightweight constructional applications are targeted through the developed composite.