Tensile and Fracture Toughness Properties of Coconut Spathe Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites: Effect of Chemical Treatments

Abstract

Natural fibres are considered as a potential replacement for man-made fibers in composite materials because of their advantages over other established materials. However, serious problem of natural fibres is their strong polar character which creates incompatibility with most polymer matrices. In present investigation, the effect of alkaline, silane and combination of both treatments is investigated. Tensile properties and fracture toughness of coconut spathe fibre for untreated and treated were evaluated. Samples were fabricated by using the hand layup process. Result indicated that silane treatment has achieved a better performance for the tensile test while there is none improvement fracture toughness was displayed by silane or alkaline treatment as compared to untreated fibres. The alkaline treatment showed to be harmful for fracture toughness of the coconut spathe fibre since the improved interfacial adhesion impaired the main energy absorption mechanisms. Keyword: Composites, Coconut Spathe Fibre, Alkaline and Silance Treatment