Effect of cascara/testa natural fiber reinforced (epoxy based) hybrid composites

Abstract

In this investigation, cascara/testa has been chosen as the particulate reinforcement agent along with the E-Glass fiber support, upon the epoxy matrix material. To carry out the experimental analysis, the standard ratio of cascara, testa and combinations of both have been selected as the particulate reinforcement, as 10% weight ratio of each respectively. Moreover to completely exploit mechanical behaviourism of the fabricated composite, physical analysis like tensile, flexural, impact and water absorption tests have been conducted as per the ASTM standards. In the pretext of the analysis, the strain rate of the tensile and flexural analysis has shown the increase of 3.5% and 2.75% respectively. In the same way, the impact analysis has also shown the hike in the absorption value as 1.25%, 1.12%. Furthermore the obtained results have shown that, the addition of cascara/testa have considerably increases the strain value and impact resistance of the fabricated specimens in sizeable manner by compromising the water uptake behaviour. Out of all standard tests, the hybrid composites (combination of cascara and testa) have shown the good conformity with all set of remaining specimens.