An experimental investigation of the effect of natural fiber treatment and marine environment on Cannabis Sativa/epoxy laminates

Abstract

Materials have helped in evolving technology to a great extent. Composites have replaced conventional metals/non-metals because of their lightweight. Natural Fibres have been need of the hour owing to environmental concerns and ease of availability. In this work, Cannabis Sativa fibers were treated with 5% Potassium Hydroxide solution. The laminates were prepared by the Compression Moulding technique by reinforcing treated and untreated fibers with an epoxy matrix material. To access the durability of natural fiber composites in the marine environment, prepared laminates were aged in seawater for 150 days. Tensile, flexural and moisture absorption behavior tests have been performed to estimate the durability in seawater. The data obtained have been compared with pristine treated and untreated fiber reinforced samples. From the results, it has been observed that tensile and flexural behavior of untreated fiber reinforced composites were superior to a treated counterpart in both pristine and aged conditions.

An Overview of Natural Fiber Composites for Marine Applications

“…Chethan et al [68] investigated the mechanical properties of hemp/epoxy in a marine environment. The hemp/epoxy composite laminates were manufactured by compression molding.…”

“…The concentration of the alkaline solution is important, as a higher concentration of the NaOH solution could lead to fiber degradation due to excess delignification, which will decrease the mechanical properties [68,175,176]. However, using an optimal concentration of the alkaline solution could improve mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength and stiffness and impact resistance [66,177,178].…”

“…Chethan et al [68] investigated the mechanical properties of treated hemp/epoxy in a marine environment. The hemp fibers were treated with alkaline treatment, a 5% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution, and the hemp/epoxy composite laminates were manufactured by compression molding.…”