Fabrication and Testing of Reinforced Natural Fiber

Abstract

In recent decade, bio composite materials are synthesized using natural cellulose fibers as reinforcements together with matrix, which have attracted the attention of researchers due to their low density with high specific mechanical strengths, availability, renewability, degradable and being environmental-friendly. The present work attempts to make an improvement in the current existing methodology and materials used to have better mechanical properties as well as to enhance the compatibility between fibers and the matrix using the required resin and hardener. The bio-composites are prepared with the unsaturated polyester matrix (laminate) and fibers such as dry grass, cow hair, coconut coir and nano compositions of copper oxide using wet hand lay-up method with appropriate proportions to result in fiber structure. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength and hardness are calculated for the fabricated fiber samples.