Surface Modification of Areca Fibre by Benzoyl Peroxide and Mechanical Behaviour of Areca-Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Natural fibre composites are playing great role in current life scenario where the focus is more on replacing synthetic fibre composites with natural fibre composites. In this current study, investigation was done on tensile and flexural behaviour of benzoyl peroxide treated areca sheath fibre epoxy composites. The surface modification of the fibre was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Treatment concentration was the major criteria which effects mechanical properties of the composites. At 4% concentration tensile strength and flexural strength was found to be maximum which was reported as 37.05 N/mm2 and 235.5 N/mm2 respectively which gradually decreased with increasing concentration of benzoyl peroxide. SEM analysis proved that at lesser concentration, the bonding between fibre and resin was effective which reduced as the concentration of benzoyl peroxide increased. This results in ineffective stress transfer between reinforcing material and the matrix which was the reason for failure of composites manufactured at higher treatment concentration.