Analysis of Enhancement of Bonding Strength in Terms of Mechanical Behavior: Hardness, Flexural Strength and Modulus of Borassus flabellifer (Palmyra Palm) Leaf Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites.

Natural fibers nowadays have become attractive to researchers as an alternative to synthetic fiber to be used as reinforcing element in terms of strength, modulus and hardness. These include low cost, high specific strength, good mechanical property, non-abrasive, corrosion resistance, biodegradability in comparison to conventional glass, aramid and carbon fibers. Flexural properties are mainly influenced by the interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix. Conventional Hand-lay-up technique was adopted for preparing composites, Firstly, Hardness of each specimen had been taken. Then, composites were made by aligning untreated fiber, 2%NaOH and 4%NaOH treated palm leaf fiber into the matrix (polyester resin). There is a gradual increase in the value of the yield strength and modulus ranging from pure composite to untreated fiber, then to 2%treated fiber and then to 4% NaOH treated fiber reinforced composites. These experiments were repeated using 10 multiplication load condition to further investigate the enhancement of flexural strength, modulus and hardness comparing to unloaded condition observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]