Chemical Processed Abaca Natural Fiber Prepared Epoxy Composites: Characteristics Evaluation

Modern technological innovations, such as natural fiber-made polycomposites, are highlighted in engineering domains, specifically in the auto and aviation industries. Compared to mono-polymers, these composites provide better strength, good thermal behavior and environmental bio-degradability. The current evaluation focuses on synthesizing the epoxy-based composites with abaca natural fiber on 0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5 wt% via a thermal-assisted compression molding route. The abaca natural fibers are processed in an alkali solution with 10% concentrations to enhance the adhesive action between matrix and fiber. Abaca fiber treated with alkali has an impact on the tensile, flexural, and fracture toughness of produced monoepoxy and its composites using ASTM D6110, D3039, and D790 standards. The prepared epoxy composite consists of 22.5 wt% abaca natural fiber processed with alkali solution and is recorded optimum fracture toughness (1.51 ± 0.01 MPa m^0.5), higher tensile strength (61 ± 2 MPa), and better flexural strength (54 ± 2 MPa). It is larger than the fracture toughness, tensile strength and flexural strength behavior of mono-epoxy composite without fiber content.