Statistical analysis and investigation of tensile test data of coir composites reinforced with graphene, epoxy and carbon fibre

Abstract

A successful attempt has been made to develop coir fibre composites reinforced with graphene, epoxy and carbon fibre. The carbon fibres were arranged in an intercalated manner, which is similar to the coir fibres. The percentage composition of graphene was varied as 1, 2, 4 and 6% by weight of the holding matrix. Suitable surface modifications were done by treating natural fibres by 5% NaOH and 0.3% KMnO4 for better adhesion of fibre and epoxy resin. Sonication and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide treatments were also done to achieve the fine scattering of graphene in the epoxy matrix in order to achieve better mechanical behaviour. Moulds were made as per D638 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The treated fibres were then arranged in the mould by the conventional hand layup technique. Tensile testing was carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the composites. Two-way analysis of variance was used as a statistical tool to find the effect of parameters such as ‘Percentage composition of graphene’ and ‘Type of mould’ on the modulus of the composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was conducted to determine the interferential adhesion and homogeneous distribution of fibres in the composite matrix. At last, field emission scanning electron microscopy analyses were also done to the specimens before and after tensile testing to determine the morphology of different entities present in the composites.