Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of an Epoxy Composite Reinforced with Hibiscuss Sabdariffa VAR. Altissima Fiber Micro Cellulose

Abstract

The effects of micro cellulose reinforcement on the mechanical properties of epoxy composites were investigated. Micro cellulose were extracted from Hibiscuss sabdariffa fibers using the steam explosion technique and repeated chemical treatments. Reinforcing of epoxy resin with micro cellulosic fibers was done in particle form. Tensile, hardness and impact results revealed that mechanical properties of micro cellulose reinforced composites increases for 10%, 20% and 30% fiber loading and then decrease for 40% loading. Composite with 30% of micro cellulose enhanced the overall mechanical properties of composite, due to the enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion and micro cellulose reinforcement.