Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Sisal /Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Composite materials are the combination of two are more materials which are different in form and chemical composition, these are gaining more importance as structural materials in present day engineering design and development activities because they offer very attractive mechanical properties such as high strength to weight ratio, higher thermal and corrosive resistance. these are composed of fibers, matrix and fillers commonly used fibers are Glass, Aramid, Kevlar and Carbon, matrix materials are epoxy resins, phenolic resins, unsaturated polyester and polyurethane etc., Fillers are particulates which are added to the material to enhance the desired properties. Major problem associated with urbanization and industrialization is pollution but industrialization is necessity to boost the economy of the developing countries. Urbanization leads to the environmental pollution due the generation of huge amount of solid wastes. Due to increased environmental awareness and consciousness throughout the world has developed an increasing interest in natural fibers, fillers and its applications in various fields of engineering. Therefore, in this paper attempts are made to develop natural and biodegradable FRP composite using sisal/glass reinforced with epoxy resin to study the mechanical properties. Keywords—Sisal Fiber, Epoxy resign, Coconut shell powder, Natural and biodegradable FRP composites Mechanical


I. INTRODUCTION
Composites are the amalgamation of two or more materials which are different in form and chemical constituents. These are gradually gaining more significance as structural materials in the preset day engineering design and development activity; this is because they offer very attractive physical-mechanical properties such as high strength to weight ratio, higher thermal, corrosive and wear resistance. Hence these materials have the potential to replace the conventional materials to manufacture automobile, aircraft, marine components, wind turbine blades, heat insulators, sporting equipment etc.
Composite materials can be classified based on the geometry of reinforcing materials which are responsible for the performance of the composites. These are classified shown in Figure.1. Natural fibers are drawn from various parts of the plants such as bast or stem, leaf, seed, fruit, wood and grass. Flax, Hemp, Jute, Kenaf, Roselle, Ramie fibers are derived from the plants stem. Abaca, Banana, Cantala, Caroa, Curaua, Date palm, Henequen, Pineapple, Sisal fibers are extracted from the plant leaves. Cotton fibers are developed using seeds and Coir, Kapok, Oil palm, Sponge gourd fibers are derived from the fruits of the plants. Bagasse, Bamboo fibers were drawn from the grass. In the present scenario due growing interest on the natural fibers, these fibers are extensively used in the development of composite materials for industrial applications and fundamental research. Hence, in the present research attempts are made to develop sisal/glass reinforced with epoxy resin to study the mechanical properties.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature survey is the sources of background information relevant to a particular area of research. It provides methodologies, description and critical assessment of each work. Present research is mainly focused on the development of natural fibers FRP composites to study the mechanical behaviour. Bernd Wetzela.et.al, [1] were studied the behaviors of micro-and Nano-scale particles of CaSiO3 and Al2O3 as a fillers used as reinforcements in glass epoxy resin. It is found that mechanical properties and synergistic effects were improved. Wear resistance and stiffness effects are explained in terms of reinforcing mechanisms. Kazuya Okubo.et.al, [2] were developed eco-friendly composites using bamboo fibers to study their mechanical property. A comparative result indicates that the bamboo fibers has strength equivalent to that of conventional glass fibers. Due decrease of voids and well impregnation of fibers the tensile strength of steam exploded fibers increases about 15 -30% as compared to that of mechanically extracted fibers. Feng-Hua Su.et.al, [3] fabricated pure and filled Nomex material composites to study the wear and friction behaviors using pin-on-AISI-1045 steel disk experiments. Further, wear behaviors of worn out surfaces of both pure and filled Nomex material composites were studied using SEM analyses. The tensile and adhesive strength of the reinforced and unreinforced composites with PFW (polyfluo150 wax) or nano SiO2 were evaluated. It is observed that wear resistance was enhanced with decrease in friction coefficient due to the addition of PFW and Nano SiO2. X.F. Yao.et.al, [4] SiO2/epoxy Nano composite were fabricated to study the crack propagation path and fractured surface behavior using field emission SEM and SEM respectively to analyze the distribution of SiO2 particles. It noticed that these particles were uniformly distributed and observed that cup and cone fracture failure was formed on the tested specimens. Manoj Singlal.et.al, [5] 10 X 10 X10 mm fiber-glass epoxy composites were manufactured to study the shock waves in naval ship structure in sea mines and noticed that explosion produce underwater severe shock loads and similar analysis was carried out for different weight fractions of glass fibers with epoxy resin & fly ash filled composites and observed that filled composites have less impact on explosion. C.M. Manjunatha.et.al, [6] polymer composites fabricated using glass fiber with 10 wt.% of silica nano particles to study the fatigue life. It was found that fatigue life increases by two to three times with the addition of silca particles. Tensile fatigue tests were conducted and identified that there is suppressed cracking in the matrix intern reduces crack propagation rate in the nano particle modified composite system. M. Lai.et.al, [7] thermal and mechanical properties of rubber micro-fillers and SiO2 nano particles filled epoxy composite were estimated to know the effect of fillers in the composite. The results indicate that the inclusion of SiO2 nano particles tensile modulus enhances and reduces with the addition of rubber content. During the investigations on variation of temperature, addition of particles content has no effect on the coefficient of thermal expansion. The effect of the rubber content that introduces a strong relief during processing when residual strains are generated, whereas silica content tends to increase their level. Sandhyarani Biswas.et.al, [8] fabricated bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites with Al2O3, SiC and industrial wastes such as copper slag and red mud fillers are used to study the synergistic effects. Result showed that the tensile strength of particulate filled bamboo epoxy composites are found to be declining in most of the cases because these composite systems contains voids, it also is noticed minimum void fraction was found in red mud filled composites as compared to SiC. Dr.G. Ramachandra Reddy.et.al, [9] determine the mechanical performance for the different weight fractions of filler with Epoxy composites filled with Sansevieria cylindrical was hybridized with betel nut short fiber with using the hot press moulding and extrusion process. It is observed that 90% Epoxy resin:10% Betel nut composites established the better performance compared with other composites. Goulart.et.al, [10] mechanical properties of natural fiber and glass fiber composites were studied and observed that certain drawbacks in natural fibers such as formation aggregates, incompatibility during processing of polymer matrix and weak resistance to moisture, to improve fibers and matrix compatibility various treatments and modifications are being used, such as acetylating, bleaching and use coupling agent and so on due to these reasons use of natural fibers in composite reduced. In this study effect of various treatments are studied to the possible use of natural fibers. Sandeep Kumar.et.al, [11] Studied on the erosive behavior of fiber reinforced hybrid composites consisting of vinyl ester resin and short E-glass/carbon fiber at different fiber weight fractions. Investigation of control factors using Taguchi orthogonal arrays design that lead to minimization of erosive rate with respect to impact velocity, impingement angle, and size of erodent by keeping other factors constant. The mechanical properties were evaluated to determine possible correlation with erosion rate of these composites. The storage modulus steadily increases up to 3927 MPa for 40 wt. % fibers, but on further increase in the fiber content, the value decrease to 3321 MPa at 0 o C. Ch. Ramesh.et.al, [12] fabricated epoxy matrix composites filled with different weight fractions of slag particulate by hand layup method and to evaluate the mechanical properties it is noticed from the results that flexural and tensile properties enhanced by 20% beyond that Impact properties gradually reduces. If slag and cement are used as filler the mechanical behavior were improved. WasimAkram.et.al, [13] studied the mechanical properties of glass epoxy composite materials filled with Al2O3, CaCo3, SiO2 and PbO are the fillers, with the addition of these fillers mechanical properties were improved and also noticed that lead oxide filler has a good tensile strength, Silica Oxide has a better torsional and hardness properties as compared to others fillers TimoJ.Lehtonenn.et.al, [14] In vitro degradation testing was carried out by exposing the glass fibers to SBF and TRIS at 37.1 0 c for a period of 182 days to investigate the dissolution behavior of restorable glasses manufactured with silica based fibers and observed that all fibers showed continuous resorption throughout the study. Further fibers are fibers exposed to bioactivity by forming a layer calcium phosphate and noticed that absorption behaviors of coated fiber are minimum. R. Satheesh Raja.et.al, [15] Fly ash filled epoxy polymer composites are manufactured with different fly ash particle sizes to investigate the physical and mechanical properties. It is observed that properties were enhanced with increase in the size of particles and overall strength of the composite decrease with increase in particle size. C.Chaithanyan.et.al, [16]  Flexural strength, flexural modulus and ILSS increases as the particle size of SiO2 decreases compared with other micro particles. Further, hardness and impact energy were increased as the particle size of Al2O3 increases.
From the available literature it is observed that many researchers have attempted to develop and study mechanical properties of FRP composites and limited work has been done using natural fibers. Hence in this research work attempts are made to develop Sisal/ glass epoxy composites study the mechanical behavior.

A. Reinforcing Fibers
The base of the composite is fiber. It is often called reinforcing material. A strength of composite is mainly depending upon the nature of reinforcing fibers. There is a broad classification of reinforcing fibers but mainly they are classified according to their origin i.e. synthetic or natural fibers. They are available in different forms such as woven, non-woven or randomly oriented in more than one direction.

B. Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fabrics are man-made fibers rather than natural fibers. Synthetic fibers are made by joining monomers into polymers, using polymerization process. There are varieties of synthetic fibers used for different applications such as Glass, Aramid, Kevlar, Carbon, Nylon etc., are popular for load bearing applications.
Selection of the different types of fibers, volume fraction, orientation and length of the fibers are very important parameters which influences the following characteristics of composite materials

C. Natural Fibers
To substitute synthetic fibers, Natural fibers are extensively used in present day engineering applications due to their positive characteristics such as low density, high specific strength, stiffness, biodegradability and renewability. Table 3.2 shows the physical and mechanical properties of natural fibers extensively used in the manufacture of FRP composites. It is noticed from the literature that among all the natural fibers, sisal fibers have more advantages in contrasting with better tensile strength, maximum load carrying capacity, exceptionally durable, low maintenance with minimal wear and tear. Presently, sisal fibers are utilized as an environment friendly strengthening agent to substitute asbestos and fiberglass in polymer composite materials for various applications including the automotive, marine and construction industries.
Sisal is a natural fiber (scientific name Agave sisalana) of Agavaceae (Agave) family which is traditionally used in making twine and ropes. Sisal is a member of the cactus family. Sisal plant comprise of a rosette of sword-shaped leaves about 1.5 to 2 meters in length. A sisal plant harvests around 200 to 250 leaves and every single leaf contains 1000 to 1200 fibers. Fibers are generally treated with appropriate chemical treatment before it is being used. The chemical treatment modifies the fiber surface properties, which enhances interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix, improves mechanical properties. Hence, in this research work alkali treated plain woven sisal fabric was chosen to fabricate Glass/Sisal hybrid composites. Further, in this work to achieve uniform distribution, to minimize the void formation and to get uniform thickness of laminates, fibers in plain woven fabric form supplied by Sri Lakshmi Group Exports and Imports, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India was used.

D. Matrix Materials
The roles of the matrix in a fiber-reinforced composite is to keep the fibers in place, transfer stresses between the fibers, provide a barrier against an adverse environment, such as chemicals and moisture, and to protect the surface of the fibers from mechanical degradation. The matrix plays a minor role in the tensile load carrying capacity of a composite structure. However, selection of a matrix has a major influence on the compressive; inter laminar shear as well as in-plane shear properties.
In general, thermoset and thermoplastic matrix materials are available for FRP composite. Epoxy, polyester, phenol -formaldehyde and vinyl esters are the commonly used thermoset resins in various structural composites. Epoxy, polyesters and other resins in liquid form contain monomers, which convert into polymers when the resin is cured. The resulting solid is called thermoset which is tough, hard, insoluble and infusible. Epoxy and Polyesters are extensively used in numerous industrial applications because of their superior mechanical and electrical properties, excellent heat resistance and better adhesion properties.
Hence in this research work epoxy resin was used in the fabrication of Glass/Sisal fiber reinforced hybrid composite because of their versatility, excellent adhesive properties, low shrinkage and low cost. Epoxy resin Araldite LY556 of density 1.2 gm/cc is used in the preparation of matrix system in a ratio of 10:1.

E. Fabrication techniques of FRP Composite
In the present work a composite sheet of 400 x 400 x 3 mm thick plates are fabricated using hand layup and bag molding process. The different stages of the fabrication process are as shown in Figure 2. Initially number of layers of the Sisal/glass fibers is marked and cut as per the required dimensions from the Sisal/glass mat strands with the help of marker and scissors, number of layers are chosen based on the thickness of the laminate. In the next step calculated amount of matrix resin along with hardener is mixed and first layer of the Sisal/glass fiber are placed on a flat surface which is cleaned with the help of acetone. First layer is coated with a layer of resin either through a spray gun, or through a brush. Similar procedure will be followed till to get the required thickness of a laminate. In order to remove the excess mixture, perforated sheet and breather sheet are placed on to the surface of the glass fiber. Vacuum pressure is created in the composite system about 1hr 30min in order to remove the air bubbles and excess resin in between the layers. Curing of the composite system is carried out for an hour at 100 0 C.

F. Specimen preparation
After the fabrication of composite, laminates were cut using band knife cutting machine as shown in Figure 3. This machine works similar to saw mill technique, blade moving vertically through a flat working table, by moving the laminates the specimen as per ASTM standards.

A. Density and Void Fraction
The theoretical and experimental densities and void fraction of the composites were calculated and observed that maximum void present is 1.753% which indicates a better bonding between fiber and matrix at the interface regions. It is evident from the Table II that Sisal/Epoxy contains more voids than Glass/Epoxy composite system fiber. This is due to the fact that sisal fibers comprise of lumens in its cellular structure which acts as void.

B. Tensile Strength
The tensile properties Glass/Sisal-Epoxy were estimated using computerized universal testing0machine and six tests were conducted based on the results average peak load and ultimate tensile strength was estimated and represented in the bar graph shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5.  It is observed from the results that Glass-Epoxy composite laminate exhibits better tensile strength and maximum load carrying capacity as compared Sisal-Epoxy composite. Enhancement of tensile strength in Glass-Epoxy is due to better bonding, adhesion and uniform dispersion of the fiber in the matrix and Sisal-Epoxy exhibits lower tensile strength and load carrying capacity due to the presence of pores at the interface between the fiber and the matrix and the weak interfacial adhesion.

C. Flexure Strength
To analyze the flexural properties of the composite laminates flexural tests were conducted as per ASTM standard.  Figure 6 depict the flexural strength Glass-Epoxy and Sisal-Epoxy composite it is evident that Glass-Epoxy laminate exhibits higher flexural strength as compared to Sisal-Epoxy laminates. This is due the better bonding, and improved adhesion between fiber matrix interface.

D. Inter-Laminar Shear Strength (ILSS)
Inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) is an important property for the composite laminates as the failure occurs more often at the inter-laminar region of such composite. The presence of porosity and voids will have detrimental effect on the matrix dominated properties like bending strength, compressive strength and Inter-laminar shear strength. To analyse the flexural properties of the composite laminates flexural tests were conducted as per ASTM standard. It is noticed that Glass-Epoxy composite laminate exhibits better inter laminar shear strength compared to Sisal-Epoxy it is attributed that better  V. CONCLUSIONS • Development of hybrid composite using natural (Sisal) fibers along with synthetic (glass) fibers enhances mechanical properties, biodegradability and ease of disposal at the end of their service life.
• It is evident from the experiments that the composite laminates fabricated with glass fabric in outer layer leads to minimum moisture absorption characteristics. Hence, the developed hybrid composite laminates will be best suited for boat hulls and other water engineering applications.
• Sisal-Glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites can be extensively used in the application where bending load is important.