Study and Comparison of Mechanical and Thermal Resisting Property of Composite Materials Reinforced Using Natural Fibers and Filler Material as Ash

Abstract

Composite in composite material means, two or more materials combined on a macroscopic scale to form a useful material. The advantage of composite is, they exhibit the best qualities of their constituents and also some qualities that neither constituent possesses. These properties make advanced composites extremely attractive and purposeful in situations where component weight is critical. Fibers from natural and man-made sources are used to make composites. The following experiment was conducted, to develop mechanics-based experimental approach to estimate the thermal and mechanical properties of composites made according the hand layup technique. The study is done on composite materials produced by reinforcing natural fibers i.e., coconut coir and areca husk. Epoxy and hardener are used as binding agents, embedded with varied amount of ash content (5, 10, and 15%). It was then subjected to various tests for characterization. The higher percentage of ash content in the matrix is known to give a higher resistance to heat, a property that can be harnessed to tolerate friction heat in extensive mechanical work. The composite material can be utilized in the field of automobiles, false ceiling and flooring of buildings, pavements, etc. They are also environmentally friendly and economical.