Tensile behavior of aloe vera fiber reinforced epoxy and polyester resin matrix composites

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the tensile behavior of epoxy and polyester matrix composites reinforced with continuous and aligned aloe vera fibers. Design/methodology/approach Composites with different volume fractions (30, 40 and 50 Vol. %) were fabricated by laying the fibers in a steel mould and pouring liquid resin, either DEGEBA/TETA epoxy or methyl-ethyl ketone hardened orthophthalic polyester, under pressure of 3 MPa. The specimens were cured for 24 h at room temperature and then tested in a universal Instron testing machine, model 5582, at 298 K (25°C). Findings The fracture surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) under an acceleration voltage of 15 kV. SEM fractography revealed a poor adhesion between both the epoxy and polyester matrices with the aloe vera fiber. The results showed that in both cases the introduction of aloe vera fibers had a minor effect on the matrix reinforcement. Originality/value Investigation and comparison of tensile behavior of epoxy and polyester matrix composites reinforced with continuous and aligned aloe vera fibers have not been attempted so far.

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