Strain Rate Sensitivity of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Varied Sizes of Bagasse Particles

Abstract

Viscoelastic materials, such as natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites, are strain rate sensitive. In the present investigation, the low strain rate sensitivity (0.00028 s−1, 0.00085 s−1 and 0.0017 s−1) of different sized bagasse particle-reinforced (212 µm and 300 µm) epoxy composites was examined using the Weibull analysis method. The filler loading content was optimized at 2 wt.% to achieve better mechanical properties. Based on the experimental results, it was observed that composites with 212 µm filler particles had higher characteristic strengths, more consistent failure strengths and higher energy absorption properties with higher loading speeds, compared to that of 300 µm filler particles. Based on the mathematical models for particle–matrix interactions, improvements in mechanical properties are attributed to proper filler dispersion and a better fibre–matrix interfacial strength.